A Massive Gilt-Splashed Bronze 'Mythical Beast' Covered Censer Qing Dynasty, 17th / 18th Century

exquisitely modelled as a mythical beast xiezhi adorned with gilt splashes, standing foursquare on its sharp-clawed feet, the head cast as a hinged cover with bulging round gilt-decorated eyes beneath a curved horn and bushy eyebrows, above flaring nostrils and an opened mouth with menacing fangs baring a flicked tongue, with two stylised plumes of smoke issuing from its cheeks alongside the pointed ears, wearing a twisted tasselled collar suspending a bell forming the hinge, the round hollowed body defined with a well-combed mane and ruyi-shaped clouds cast on the shoulders and sides of the body, attached with an upright removable tail with radiating tufts of fur

Alfred Speelman, prior to 1975.

The metalwork and gold splashes are in overall good condition. There are minor scratches and bruises to the extremities, including the tip of the whisker that extends above the left ear. There are also small chips to the rim of the body, caused by the weight of the cover being closed. There is an old casting repair visible to the interior, covering a tiny hole on the left side of the body. ‎There is a small dent to the left cheek. The colour in the catalogue photo is fairly accurate.
"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 magnificent incense burner is exceptional for its large size and the sheer quality of its casting and gold-splashed decoration. Cast in the form of a mythical beast, the legendary xiezhi, it is reminiscent of other incense burners still adorning the halls of the Imperial Palace, Beijing. For a pair of cloisonné enamel examples from the Qianlong era, still in Beijing, see Chuimei Ho and Bennet Bronson, Splendors of China’s Forbidden City. The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, London and New York, 2004, pl. 37, where the authors note that 'mythical beast' incense burners in similar forms were traditionally valued at the imperial court, as with their open mouths, and smoke billowing forth, they were a reminder to the emperor that he should always be receptive to honest advice, and a prompt to those addressing the emperor to speak truthfully.

For smaller gilt-bronze versions, see Paul Moss and Gerard Hawthorn, The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss Ltd, London, 1991, cat. nos. 18 and 19, and for a gilt-splashed example sold at auction, see Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June 2011, lot 3948.