A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE 'LION' INCENSE BURNER 16TH – 17TH CENTURY |

of archaistic gui form, cast with a compressed body rising from a short foot to a short neck bordered with thin raised bands, the shoulder flanked by a pair of lion masks, the base with a recessed cartouche enclosing an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark, the exterior liberally splashed with gold

Good condition, with just minor surface wear and typical oxidisation.
"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."

A closely related gold-splashed incense burner of similar archaistic gui form from the J. de Lopes bequest and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, with similar lion-mask handles is illustrated in Rose Kerr, Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, pl. 15 left, dated as 16th/17th century.