A BRONZE CENSER 17TH CENTURY

the bombé body rising from a spreading foot to a flared rim, flanked by a pair of animal mask handles, the neck encircled by a band with a pair of confronting birds on a leiwen ground, the foot with a stylised keyfret border, the base with an apocryphal Xuande mark, wood cover

This censer is in reasonable condition, but there is a dent to the side approximately 1.5cm by 1.5cm to one side and a 11cm by 4cm repair to the patina around this. There are some smaller ones (and nicks) on the other side near to one of the handles and an area of repaired patina around this (5cm by 5cm). There are some nicks and and minor dents just above the key fret bend to one side. There are also some nicks and scratches to the rim and a build up of areas of brown dirt to the interior below the rim. The cover has a 5cm by 2mm chip to the rim to one side and an 8cm crack running from the centre.
"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."