Licorne porte-miroir en bronze doré Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIIE siècle

allongée, la partie supérieure des membres à décor de flammes en bas-relief,  une patte en avant, l'autre repliée, la tête tournée vers l'arrière, l'arête du dos de la bête recevant un support en forme de croissant de lune et de triangle inversé à décor incisé de nuages

Overall wear and rubbing to the gilding, consistent with age (showing on the illustration in the catalogue). There is a small 7 mm opening in the bronze cast to the bottom of the compartment where the disc mirror can rest, a tiny pierced 1 x 3 mm hole to the rear of the figure body, but otherwise the mirror stand is generally in 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."

Compare to a similar example, illustrated by Rose Kerr in Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, p. 101, fig. 87