A BRONZE TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body cast around the exterior in low relief with two shou roundels flanked by archaistic dragons, the shoulder set with a pair of loop handles in the form of a coiled dragon, all supported on three cabriole legs decorated with lingzhi, the domed cover elaborately pierced with archaistic dragons below a band of pendent lappets, surmounted by an openwork dragon finial, the base with an apocryphal Xuande mark, the wood stand with silver-wire inlaid decoration (3)

Japanese collection (by repute).

The censer and cover are in overall good condition. There is a short crack to the rim of the censer, and one of the chilong handles has a small chip to the tip of the horn. Some minor dents to the surface, consistent with age and use. The wood stand with minor losses to the silver-wire inlay.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare three closely related examples sold at auction, one without a cover sold in these rooms, 11th May 1978, lot 89; another slightly larger censer and cover with dragons confronting flaming pearls, sold at Christie's London, 14th June 1982, lot 204; the third with pierced shou characters to the cover, sold at Sotheby's London, 1st November 1985, lot 397.