清十九世紀 銅灑金竹節紋蓋爐連座

of rounded rectangular section, the rim, edge of the base, legs, and loop handles all cast as sections of bamboo, the theme repeated on the front and back, the base centered with an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark, the domed cover fashioned with a curved bamboo section forming the finial, with stems, leaves and garden rock completing the openwork design, all supported on a conforming base with reticulated bamboo panel in the center; together with a copper alloy handwarmer cover (4)

Harold 和 Elizabeth Bixby舊藏，自此家族收藏

The cover and censer have minor casting irregularities (roughness) on the inside. The cover has a patch to the edge that appears top have been put there during manufacture and there is a nick to the interior rim. The stand has a patch to one corner of the underside, which appears to have been made during manufacture. The patina is a bit dull, but overall the piece is in good condition. The handwarmer cover has some residue in some of the grooves and a few dark stains on the top, but other in good condition.
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.

Harold M. Bixby (1890-1965) was a primary financier of Charles A. Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic in 1927. Bixby named the plane "Spirit of St. Louis". Lindbergh introduced Bixby to Juan Trippe at Pan American Airways. PAA sent Bixby to China in 1933 to negotiate airline and airmail contracts with the Chinese for China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC). He and his family lived there until August of 1937 when Japan invaded Shanghai and they were forced to flee. He remained with Pan American until 1955, serving as a vice president, an executive officer and a director.