A BRONZE HALBERD-HANDLED INCENSE BURNER, YILU 17TH CENTURY

of archaistic yilu form, the sides flanked by a pair of stylised ‘halberd’ handles, the base with a four-character seal mark reading yutang qingwan, the patina of a warm copper-brown colour

The incense burner is in overall good condition with expected minor surface wear.
"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."

Compare a similar censer of yilu form with apocryphal Xuande mark, from the collection of Ulrich Hausmann, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3304. See also another similar censer illustrated in the Xuande yiqi tupu, illustrated in Zhongguo Shudian Chuban She, Beijing, 2006, p. 246.