A RARE BRONZE CENSER MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

of flattened globular form, the swelling sides rising from a splayed foot to a slightly flared rim interrupted by two angular loop handles, the bronze patinated to a coppery-brown colour with golden undertones and darker specks, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark cast in relief within a recessed cartouche

Bonham’s San Francisco, 13th December 2010, lot 5146.

There are some dents and scratches around the body, some patches of green encrustation on the interior, but the overall condition of the censer is very good .
"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."

Yongzheng mark and period bronze vessels are rare, although a tripod censer with a broad everted rim and a similar cast reign mark from the Ronald L. Longsdorf collection, sold at Christie's New York, 15th/16th September 2011, lot 1160. The fine workmanship of this censer is particularly notable in the angled handles which gently taper from the mouth to the shoulders to accentuate the swell of the body. Moreover, the smoothly finished surface has a luminous effect through the subtle golden sheen. Larger censers of this form set upon stands, but without a reign mark, include one sold in our New York rooms, 11th/12th April 1990, lot 393; and another sold at Christie's New York, 9th September 2011, lot 1158.