A GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID ‘LOTUS’ CENSER, LIAN SIGNED HU ZHONGZHEN MING DYNASTY, 16TH / 17TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form, modelled after the archaic vessel lian, raised on three low ruyi-head feet, inlaid in gold and silver with a continuous central frieze, densely decorated with a formalised foliate and flowering lotus scroll, further adorned with several insects including a butterfly and bee in flight, all between key-fret bands encircling the flat mouth and above the feet, the slightly recessed base inlaid in gold with six characters Yunjian Hu Zhongzhen zhi (‘Made by Hu Zhongzhen of Yunjian’) in seal script, within silver-inlaid key-fret ring

Phillip’s, London, June 1992.

Apart from some minor surface scratches, rubbing to the gilding on the rims and the feet and a few light dents, the overall condition is very good. The actual colour of the ground is less yellow compared to the illustration in the catalogue, more coppery with gilt highlights on the ruyi feet, footring and mouthrim.
"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."

This finely cast and exceptionally decorated incense burner bears the signature of Hu Zhongzhen of Yunjian, who was possibly a family member of the famous metalworker Hu Wenming. The inlay on this piece is especially impressive, with the use of gold for the signature rarely seen on signed vessels made by Hu or his workshop. The technique used for decoration is special as the motif is achieved by using gold and silver to fill pre-cut channels on the bronze surface that forms the design on a flat plane. A large censer decorated in this technique and signed by Hu Wenming, illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, ‘Chinese Metalwork of the Hu Wenming Group’, Handbook. International Asian Antiques Fair, Hong Kong, 1984, p. 36, fig. 3, was sold in these rooms, 4th April 2012, lot 167.

Compare also a vessel included ibid., p. 63, fig 44, bearing the inscription Yunjian Hu Wenming nan Guangyu zhi ('made by Guangyu, son of Hu Wenming of Yunjian'), from the collection of Ip Yee; and a box and cover, formerly in the collection of Edward T. Chow and sold in these rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 624, and later in the collection of Dr. Ip Yee, with a silver inlaid signature, published ibid., p. 59,  no. 36.