A CLOISONNE ENAMEL TRIPOD CENSER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY |

of compressed globular form, the rounded sides supported on a three short cabriole feet, the exterior enameled in yellow, white, red, bluish-green and dark blue with a continuous frieze of six stylized lotus blossoms amidst a leafy meander, the underside centered with stylized florets, repeated at the legs above a row of upright lappets, all below a narrow waisted neck with further florets issuing curling leaves, all against a turquoise-color ground, the gilt-metal rim set to either side with a slightly flaring upright rope-twist handle, wood stand (2)

The censer is in mostly good condition with only scattered enamel flakes (some in-filled with wax), minor expected pitting, and some dryness under the rim. The handles are possibly replaced. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A nearly identical censer, from the Kitson Collection, perhaps the mate to the present example, was sold in our London rooms, 30th May 1961, lot 417. Other closely related examples include one in the Pierre Uldry collection illustrated in Chinese Cloisonné, The Pierre Uldry Collection, Asia Society, New York, cat. no. 53; another with differently worked handles in the Freer Sackler Galleries, Washington D.C., illustrated in The Freer Gallery of Art I: China, The Freer Gallery of Art, Tokyo, 1972, pl. 110; and a third in the Qing Court Collection illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Metal-Bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong 2002, pl. 11.