A Bronze Incense Burner Stand Qing Dynasty, 17th / 18th Century

of circular form with a pronounced rim and a flat surface, supported on three stylised ruyi feet, the base cast with an apocryphal four-character Xuande neifu mark in zhuanshu, the patina of a rich variegated yellowish-brown colour

Sotheby’s New York, 20th September 2000, lot 51 (part of a group).

There is minor wear and oxidisation to the surface, a dent to the underside and small chips to the tips of the feet. The patina is a slightly richer brown colour than in the catalogue photo.
"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 is an alternative form for a li tripod incense burner and appears as such in a portrait of the Qianlong Emperor surrounded by works of art, as shown in The Imperial Packing Art of the Qing Dynasty, The Palace Museum, Beijing, 1999, p. 113.  The apocryphal mark reads Xuande neifu (‘Made in the Inner Palace during the Xuande period’). 

The neifu ('Inner Palace') mark denotes imperial use, and can be found on ceramic jars from the early 15th century.  See a black jar from the Arthur Sackler Collection, with a neifu mark moulded in relief against a black glaze, illustrated by J. J. Lally & Co., Chinese Ceramics in Black and White, New York, 2010, cat. no. 35.