A FINE PARCEL-GILT BRONZE CENSER, FANGDING 17TH/18TH CENTURY 十七/十八世紀 局部鎏金銅「獸面圖」方鼎 《大明宣德年製》仿款

standing on four archaistic dragon legs, the everted rim surmounted by a pair of upright loop handles, cast in low relief with a wide band of taotie masks below stylised confronting kui dragons, all reserved on a diaper ground, the mid-section and sides of each face applied with angular flanges, hemmed with a stylised C-scroll border at the rim, the underside set with a recessed rectangle enclosing a six-character Xuande mark

This crisply cast censer is in very good condition with the exception of light areas of rubbing and loss to the gilding, in particular to the rim and handles.
"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."