十七世紀 銅雙耳三足爐 連座 《宣德年製》仿款

modelled after the archaic bronze vessel liding, supported on three low conical feet, the compressed globular body rising to a wide mouth and flanked by a pair of loop handles, the underside crisply cast with an apocryphal four-character Xuande seal mark in a rectangular cartouche, the matching tripod stand in the form of a mallow flower with overlapping petals, raised on three ruyi-shaped feet

Apart from some light characteristic pitting to the surface and minute dents on the rim, the overall condition of the censer and stand is very good. The actual patina is slightly more brown, less orange compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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 present finely cast bronze incense burner belongs to a special group of vessels bearing apocryphal Xuande reign marks and in form often inspired by Song dynasty ceramic censers. For a discussion of this group of wares see Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 150, cat. no. 123, where a related censer, but covered in gold splashes, is illustrated. The attractive stand, in the form of a mallow with slightly curved petals, adds an element of softness to the object and highlights the solidity and weight of the vessel.

Five closely related censers, all bearing Xuande marks on their base, are illustrated in Chen Qinghong, Da Ming Xuande lu zong lun, Taipei, 2000, pls. 128-132. Another censer of similar form and size, but with a rounded foot, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is illustrated in Rose Kerr, Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, pl. 24; and one of closely related form and dimensions, also resting on a mallow form stand, was sold in our London rooms, 5th June 1981, lot 57 .

Compare also a gold-splashed bronze censer of this type, with a four-character Xuande mark on its base, sold at Christie’s London, 11th July 1977, lot 31; and another sold at Christie’s New York, 26th July 1990, lot 1329. A gold-splashed stand, similar in shape to the present example, together with its matching censer, was sold in these rooms, 4th April 2012, lot 188.