Brûle-parfum en cuivre peint et rehaussé d'or Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIE-XVIIE siècle

les bords évasés, la panse renflée à décor en relief d'animaux fabuleux parmi les flammes stylisées sur fond de vaguelettes, le col souligné d'une frise de volutes, le pied agrémenté d'une frise de fleurs de lotus fleuris et rinceaux, flanqué de deux anses figurant des têtes de chimères, marque Yun jian Hu Wenming zhi gravée et dorée à la base

Acquired in the early 20th century and thence by descent in the family.

The censer's rim is slightly wraped. There is a 0.5 cm crack to the rim. Something inside the censer is missing and it shows traces of orange pigment. Some overall wear to the gilding outside. Expected light scratches to the surface.
"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 a censer similarly made in hammered copper such as the present piece, and of the same form and almost same design also bearing the incised mark Yunjian Hu Wenming zhi in a rectangular gilt cartouche, from the Clague Collection, illustrated in China's Renaissance in Bronze. The Robert H. Clague Collection of Later Chinese Bronzes, 1100-1900, Phoenix, 1993, p. 67, cat.no.12.