A RARE GILT-BRONZE TRIPOD OFFERING STAND EARLY MING DYNASTY |

the circular ring platform supported on three slender legs finely cast as stylised makara with their sinuous bodies detailed with elaborate foliate scrolls extending to the tails, the platform decorated with a border of lappets around the rim

There are numerous scratches to the base of the platform with associated losses to the gilding. There is a polished area to the edge of the base (approx. 1.5 cm). There are also some surface wear and losses of the gilding, as well as nicks to the extremities.
"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 present piece belongs to a rare group of stands produced during the early Ming period, likely used to support various Buddhist ritual implements on an altar. With its legs cast as the mythological sea creature, makara, this stand was probably part of a chug tor-chos (water offering set), where a small flat bowl would rest upon the central platform, employed to propitiate the nagas, who are divine serpents believed to dwell in any body of water, as well as various classes of deities. Compare a Yongle mark and period stand of this type, but without the central platform, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st May 2017, lot 2806; another decorated with larger beads on the exterior of the ring, included in the exhibition Chinese and Japanese Bronzes, A.D. 1100-1900, Michael Goedhuis, 1989, cat. no. 14, and sold at Christie’s New York, 28th March 1996, lot 148; and a cloisonné enamel example, attributed to the 15th century, sold in these rooms, 7th June 1988, lot 40.