A MINIATURE BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, DING QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of archaistic ding form, the slightly tapered cylindrical body supported on three tapered cylindrical legs, the galleried rim surmounted by a pair of arched handles, the exterior cast with four taotie masks interrupted by four vertical raised flanges, all against a leiwen ground, the legs with archaistic pendent cicada leaves

Michael Merton, Bermondsey Square Antiques Market, London, 1970s.

minor surface wear, otherwise good condition
"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."

A pair of similar miniature incense burners of ding form, dated to the 17th Century and almost certainly from the same workshop, is illustrated by Gerard Hawthorn, Miniature Works of Art, November 2005, cat. no. 11, showing their six-character mark reading jinjia zhixin tingzuo ('Made for the Jin Family, by Xinting’).