A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE HALBERD-HANDLED TRIPOD INCENSE BURNER QING DYNASTY, 17TH – 18TH CENTURY |

with a rounded lower body rising to a waisted neck flanked by a pair of handles cast in the form of stylised halberd, all supported on three tapering feet, the base with a recessed cartouche enclosing an apocryphal four-character Xuande mark, the bronze patinated to a warm copper-brown colour and liberally applied with gold splashes

Good condition with just minor surface wear.
"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."

Another bronze incense burner cast with stylised halberd handles was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3304, from the collection of Ulrich Hausmann. See also a prototype of related form, illustrated in the Xuande yiqi tupu [Illustrated catalogue of the ritual vessels of the Xuande Period], Beijing, 2006, p. 246.