A BLUE AND WHITE QUATRELOBED TRIPOD CENSER AND A COVER MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

the quatrelobed body rising from three legs to a straight rim, flanked by a pair of animal mask handles, the exterior painted with scholars seated by a fence in a garden with pine trees and flowers, encircled at the rim by a shan border, the domed cover painted with floral sprays and surmounted by a recumbent mythical beast

This rare censer is in good overall condition with the exception of some minor glaze fritting to the mask handles and a 10 x 1mm., area at the shoulder, a vertical firing line to the interior side of the vessel and a firing line encircling half of the interior corresponding with the luting line, the possibly matched cover has fritting to the edge and to the glaze on the recumbent beast knop.
"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."