清十七 / 十八世紀 灑金銅鋪首活環壺

cast with a compressed globular body rising from a slightly splayed foot to a waisted neck and an everted rim, the shoulders flanked by a pair of mythical beast masks suspending a loose ring, the bronze patinated to a coppery-brown colour and decorated overall with irregular splashes of gold, two raised fillets bordering the body below the shoulders, the base with an apocryphal Xuande mark within a recessed panel

The loose ring handles are later replacements. There are some expected surface scratches, a few of them somewhat deeper in one area of the shoulder on the reverse and on the lower body in front (showing on the illustration in the catalogue). There are a few further occasional dents or minute pitting on the surface but overall the bronze censer is in rather good condition, consistent with its age. The actual colour is more golden yellow, less copper-red 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."