A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE DRAGON-HANDLED INCENSE BURNER 16TH – 17TH CENTURY |

with an ovoid body rising from three cabriole legs to a raised shoulder and constricted straight rim, the sides flanked by a pair of handles, each skilfully cast in the form of a scaly dragon clambering on the shoulder of the vessel with the long tail extending across the exterior, the flat base centred with an apocryphal two-character Xuande seal mark, the exterior liberally decorated overall save for the mark with gold splashes

Christie's London, 12th October 1978, lot 167.
Bonhams London, 16th June 1982, lot 13.

There are minor bruises and chips to the extremities, including the tail (0.7cm) and the interior of the rim (0.6cm). Otherwise good condition.
"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 articulation of the dragons on the handles of this late Ming incense burner closely relates to the dragons on an ungilt incense burner from the collection of Robert Kresko, powerfully cast all over with dragons, sold in these rooms, 27th October 1992, lot 192, and illustrated in Philip K. Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes – The Saint Louis Art Museum and Robert Kresko Collections, St. Louis, 2008, cat. no. 24.