Brûle-parfum en bronze tâché d'or Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle

de forme quadrilobée, reposant sur quatre pieds cambrés, flanqué de deux anses en têtes de lion, partiellement dorés, le pourtour parsemé de grosses tâches d'or, deux inscriptions moulées à l'intérieur gongshi neiyong ('réservé à l'usage au sein du Palais') et xuanzi shiliu hao ('n°16 de la série Xuan'), marque apocryphe Xuande en relief à la base

Acquired in China in the early 1900s.
Thence in the family by descent.

The censer is in good overall condition with a chip of the inside rim below the base ; some light scratches and wear to the outside as expected as well as tiny dents to the rim and expected wear to the inside due to age and use.
"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."