A Parcel-Gilt Bronze 'Lion and Cub' Censer and Cover Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

of circular form supported on three short baluster feet, cast and partly gilt around the exterior with flower sprays against fret work, all below raised borders of key-fret encircling the rim, the cover reticulated with large lotus heads wreathed in scrolling foliage and set with a large finial formed of a lion and its cub, the adult resting on its left haunch while clutching a brocade bowl in its right paw, its muscular body articulated with prominent ribs and a finely incised mane along the spine, its face cast in a ferocious expression with jaws open in a powerful roar, the cub by its side playfully grasping a ribbon, all highlighted with gold details and occasional splashes of gold

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 17th May 1989, lot 456.

There are a few cracks in the cast on the cover rim that have been secured, including one at 2 o'clock to the cub finial, two others at 5 and 7 o'clock. There is some rubbing to the gilding which has otherwise been rather well preserved as visible on the photograph in the catalogue. There is a crackle in the cast extending on approximately 2cm above one of the baluster feet of the base, and another crackle extending on approximately 2cm from the rim. Some of the gold splashes around the base may have been later added through surface abrasion. There are some expected dents and pitting to the surface in commensuration with age. The actual colour is somewhat deeper and more contrasted compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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 unusual censer is an example of the variety of new bronze forms created during the bronze revival of the Ming Dynasty, when artisans took inspiration from archaic bronze forms and designs. This trend is evident in the round form and slightly domed cover of this censer, which bear similarities with an Eastern Zhou (771-221 BC) bronze tripod zhan illustrated in Jenny So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. 3, New York, 1995, pl. 10.