Brûle-parfum tripode en bambou laqué Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

le corps globulaire sur trois pieds cambrés surmontés de têtes de chimères, agrémenté de deux anses en forme d'animal fabuleux, à décor archaïsant de masques de taotie et d'une frise de ruyi stylisés, le couvercle postérieur en bois sculpté ajouré, la prise rappelant un bouton de lotus, le bambou laqué d'une belle teinte rouge acajou, socle tripode en bois sculpté incrusté de fils d'argent ; petits manques, le couvercle postérieur

Some losses to the lacquer around the mouthrim inside and outside, to the edges of the handles and around the original circular bamboo patch closing the base ; the feet could have been relacquered ; color is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lacquered bamboo censers are extremely rare, although an undecorated bamboo vessel of related model supported on tripod feet and with a cover was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 15th November 1989, lot 484. Another two-handled incense burner, decorated with seal form characters representing longevity and attributed to the early 19th century, is illustrated in Simon Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 130. Kwan, ibid., p. 406, notes that 'bamboo incense burners are usually made from the diaphragms and joints of bamboo. This is indeed an ingenious design.