A RARE LARGE 'YAOZHOU' CELADON TRIPOD INCENSE BURNER NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

sturdily potted with a bombé body rising to a short constricted neck and wide everted rim, the lower body bordered with two fillets, below a gently raised border to the upper body, all supported on three splayed legs decorated with a mythical beast mask, the base centred with a recessed medallion, applied with a translucent sage-green glaze suffused with a network of fine crackles

Galaxie Company, Hong Kong, prior to 1990.

The Grandeur of Chinese Art Treasures: Min Chiu Society Golden Jubilee Exhibition, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2010-11, cat. no. 100.

Good overall condition with just minor condition issues, including a shallow 1.8 cm flake to inner mouth, characteristic firing imperfections including a flaw to the underside and other general surface wear.
"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."

An incense burner of similar form and glaze, in the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Xian, is illustrated in Zhongguo taoci quanji [Complete collection of Chinese ceramics], vol. 10: Yaozhou Yao [Yaozhou kiln], Kyoto, 1985, vol. 70, pl. 49. Compare also the incense burner from the Frederick M. Mayer Collection, sold at Christie's London, 24th June 1974, lot 39.