A Silver-Inlaid and Gilt-Bronze ‘Lotus Flower’ Incense-Tool Vase By Hu Wenming, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

of restrained yuhuchun form, the elegant neck gently curving to a flared lip, the swollen body supported on a flattened, circular footrim, the exterior of the main body chased in relief with a continuous design of four lotus flowers amidst scrolling foliage, all set against a ring-punched ground, the neck with a band of stylised interlocking floral scroll, above and below gilt bands, the upper neck inlaid in silver with a key-fret collar, the inlaid copper foot engraved in zhuanshu with four-character mark Hu Wenming zuo (‘Made by Hu Wenming’)

Ip Yee Collection, Hong Kong, 1984.

Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, no. 230.

Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, 'Chinese Metalwork of the Hu Wenming Group', Handbook, International Asian Antiques Fair, Hong Kong, 1984, p. 52, fig. 24.

There is minor surface wear and rubbing to the gilding, but overall is in good condition. Please note that the patina is slightly darker in reality than in the catalogue photo, where it appears too light.
"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."

This is an unusual form for a Hu Wenming incense-tool vase, being of yuhuchun form rather than the more common cylindrical variety.  It also has the thick, silver-wire inlay around the neck often associated with his finer wares in bronze.

For what appears to be a metalwork incense-tool vase of Hu Wenming type, see a portrait of Yinxiang, Prince Yi (1686-1730), illustrated by Jan Stuart and Evelyn S. Rawski, Worshipping the Ancestors. Chinese Commemorative Portraits, Freer Gallery, Washington, 2001, p. 70, no. 2.15, where it sits on an incense stand behind his right shoulder along with an incense burner of bronze, and li tripod form and a red lacquer incense powder box and cover.