A BRONZE LION-HANDLED INCENSE BURNER QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of compressed globular form rising to a waisted neck and slightly everted rim, set with two lion heads as handles, the base cast with a recessed rectangular panel enclosing an apocryphal kaishu inscription reading Da Ming Xuande wunian jiandugong bu guanchen Wu Bangzuo Zao (‘Made for the Board of Works under the Supervision of Wu Bangzuo in the Fifth Year of Xuande’), the bronze patinated to a dark brown tone

There is a faint 1cm crack to the rim. Other general surface wear, otherwise 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. 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."

The inscription is one of a series of apocryphal ones stating that Wu Bangzuo, the Minister of the Ministry of Works in the 5th year of Xuande, supervised production which tend to appear on late Ming and Qing incense burners. For additional information, see the note to lot 3316.