A BRONZE TRIPOD CENSER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the compressed body supported on three legs, the rim set with two side-facing dragons, their bodies curving to form bail handles, the base cast with a sixteen-character inscription incorporating an apocryphal Xuande date, reading Da Ming Xuande wunian Jiandu Gongbu guanchen Wu Bangzuo zao (Made by Wu Bangzuo, supervisor of the Ministry of Works, in the 5th year of Xuande of the Great Ming)

There is a break in one tuft of hair on one of the dragon handles and some white residue in the recessed areas on both handles. There are some minor casting flaws to the interior of the rim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a similar censer of slightly smaller size sold at Christie's New York, 24th-25th March 2011, lot 1445.