A POWERFULLY CAST BRONZE 'DRAGON' INCENSE BURNER MING DYNASTY

raised on a splayed foot, the bombé body rising to a waisted neck and an everted rim, the neck flanked by a pair of mythical beast mask handles comprising a lion's mane and an elephant's trunk, the exterior further cast in relief with two three-clawed dragons soaring amidst ruyi-shaped clouds of various sizes, the base with a six-character Xuande mark within a recessed rectangular panel, the bronze patinated to a warm copper-brown colour

Minor bruising and chips to the extremities, especially the rim, and oxidisation to the surface of the bronze.
"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 dynamic scene of dragons amidst clouds is a Xuande innovation, visible on porcelain and lacquer of the period. This is a type of incense burner where there has been considerable debate as to whether the Xuande marks are apocryphal, or if they could indeed be Xuande period. For another example of this form, see the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong exhibition Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 139. Like the current incense burner, its vigorous depth of casting and style is clearly related to carved lacquer of the period.

Compare also an incense burner of this type, with a Xuande reign mark and possibly of the period, included in the exhibition The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1991, cat. no. 44. See also two closely related Xuande-marked bronze incense burners sold in these rooms, a larger example from the collection of Robert E. Kresko, sold on 6th April 2016, lot 3664; and a gilt-bronze example, 5th October 2011, lot 1943.