A PAIR OF GILT-SPLASHED BRONZE CENSERS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

each of compressed globular form rising from a short straight foot with beaded edge to a short straight neck with beaded rim, decorated around the exterior with gold splashes between lotus-lappet bands and divided by a pair of lion mask handles, the base cast with a twelve-character seal mark 

The incense burners are in very good condition with the exception of only minute scratches to the patination and light rubbing to the noses of the lion handles.
"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."

The twelve-character apocryphal mark on the base refers to the vessel being made in the 2nd year of the Xuande reign by Zhou Xijia, Master of Xiuhuang. The same mark can be found on a finely cast gilt-bronze censer of similar form but without the gilt-splashed decoration offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2678, from a private Japanese collection.