A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' INCENSE BURNER BY HU WENMING, MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY |

of archaistic gui form, the compressed globular body supported on a splayed lipped foot and flanked by a pair of separately cast handles, the exterior decorated against a ring-punched ground with two main bands, the lower band enclosing six mythical beasts prancing amidst foliate scrolls below a band of scollwork encircling the rim, the base with a central rectangular cartouche engraved with a six-character inscription reading Yunjian Hu Wenming zhi (‘Made by Hu Wenming of Yunjian’), wood cover and stand

Good condition with just general surface wear, oxidisation and minor rubbing to the gilding. The wood stand and cover are in good condition. Images of these are available upon request.
"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."

Hu Wenming from Songjiang, Jiangsu province, was one of the most accomplished master metalworkers of the late Ming period, who specialised in the production of gilt metal vessels for the scholar's desk. For another bronze incense burner of gui form by Hu Wenming, engraved with similar seal mark on the base, see the example from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 240.