A CLOISONNE ENAMEL 'DRAGON' TRIPOD CENSER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body raised on three cabriole feet and set with a pair of bamboo handles, decorated in colourful enamels on a turquoise ground with two long-tailed dragons amongst cloud scrolls above waves, the underside with four detached floral heads

The handles are later replacements, and there is the expected pitting and minor loss to the enamels and wear to the gilding.
"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 two tripod censers, similarly decorated with long-tailed dragons, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 1, Cloisonné in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pls. 87 and 88; and a box, in the Österreichisches Museum für Angewandt Kunst, Vienna, included in the exhibition Die Ware aus dem Teufelsland, Museum für Kunsthandwerk, Frankfurt am Main, 1981, cat. no. 11.