A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE TRIPOD 'C'-SHAPED HANDLED INCENSE BURNER LATE MING DYNASTY |

of archaistic ding form, sturdily cast with a compressed globular body resting on three cabriole legs, each with a stylised ruyi bloom to the bulging upper section, the sides flanked by a pair of C-shaped handles, each with a ribbed outer surface pierced with a lobed cartouche and ending with a defined lobed upper edge decorated with ruyi scrolls, the body bordered with eight studs, each with a central medallion wreathed by scrollwork, the base centred with a recessed cartouche enclosing an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark, the vessel decorated overall save for the interior and mark with attractive gold splashes

Sotheby's London, 4th May 1984, lot 443.

There are minor bruises at the tips of the feet, and other general surface wear and oxidisation. The interior shows evidence of stabilisation at the original casting process.
"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."

Ulrich Hausmann, the scholar and collector of later Chinese bronzes, discusses Xuande reign-marked bronzes from the late Ming dynasty in his essay, 'In Search of Later Bronzes', ed. Paul Moss, Documentary Chinese Works of Art in Scholar's Taste, Sydney L. Moss Ltd, London, 1983, p. 232: "The end of the Ming dynasty, for many a period of decadence and decline, saw a surprising variety of new creations and proves to be a much underrated period which produced fine and often highly original metalwork. Many pieces show an uninhibited display of differing designs and unusual shapes which probably make this period the most individualistic of all the later periods. Because of the diversity of appearance, sometimes rather fancy, many of these pieces are wrongly ascribed to the eighteenth century, rather than one hundred years earlier". 

The archaistic ding form of the current incense burner, which fits with Hausmann's description, is reminiscent of Wanli dated porcelain examples. See a Wanli blue and white examples of similar compressed form with handles curving upwards, from the Edward T. Chow collection, sold in these, rooms 19th May 1981, lot 422, and an example dated to 1586, sold in our New York rooms, 13th September 2017, lot 63. The current incense burner is particularly innovative with its elegant 'C'-shaped handles.