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

cast with a bombé body rising from three tapering legs to a waisted neck and everted rim, all surmounted by a pair of handles, the base centred with a recessed cartouche enclosing an apocryphal four-character Xuande seal mark, the exterior decorated overall save for the mark with gold splashes, the well cast circular stand with a central circular finial and supported on three incurved ruyi-shaped legs, similarly decorated on the upper surface and sides with gold splashes

The incense burner and stand are in good condition with just minor surface wear. An approx. 3.5 cm area of irregularity from the original casting process is visible on the interior of the incense burner.
"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."

It is rare to find a large gold-splashed incense burner preserved with its matching stand, which adds an element of softness to the overall object. The elegant stand derives its form from a stylised mallow flower with overlapping petals. A near identical stand is illustrated in Philip K. Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes - The Saint Louis Art Museum and Robert Kresko Collections, St. Louis, 2008, cat. no. 28 and cover.