A BRONZE TRIPOD CENSER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

supported on three short feet with two strap handles, the base cast with a sixteen-character apocryphal Xuande mark date, reading Da Ming Xuande wunian Jiandu Gongbu guanchen Wu Bangzuo zao (Made by Wu Bangzuo, supervisor of the Ministry of Works, in the 5th year of Xuande of the Great Ming)

There are scattered minor dents and wear to the censer. There is a rough edge around the mark on the base. There is a small area of loss to the interior likely done during casting. Otherwise, in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a brief discussion of this mark see Sydney L. Moss, The Second Bronze Age: Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, nos. 46 and 47.