AN IVORY 'THREE RAMS' TRIPOD CENSER QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body in the shape of three conjoined frontal-view rams supported on six cabriole legs, rising to a flaring neck carved between two thin borders with the inscription san xi zun (triple-beast zun) and an apocryphal four-character Qianlong mark, wood stand

The censer is in overall good condition. There are some thin age cracks, the longest measuring ca. 5 cm on the shoulder. There is light wear to the rim. The surface is polished to a smooth finish.
"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 porcelain censer of this form, covered overall in a Jun-type glaze and attributed to the 18th century, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum's exhibition Through the Prism of the Past: Antiquarian Trends in Chinese Art of the 16th to 18th Century, Taipei, 2003, cat. no. III-57.