明初 銅麒麟尊

cast as an incense burner in the form of a qilin depicted standing foursquare with its head turned towards its back, its ferocious expression accented with its naturalistically cast bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, opened mouth and curly mane, its caparison detailed with stylised undulating foliate scrolls, its tail curling towards its right hind leg, surmounted by a hollowed zun vessel with a flared mouthrim, three miniature Buddhist lions depicted resting on the angular shoulders of the vessel, above a pair of taotie mask loop handles, all below a key-fret band bordering the mouthrim, the patina of an attractive warm caramel-brown colour

A & J Speelman Ltd.，倫敦，1990年代初

There are minor chips and dents to the mouth of the zun vase on the animal's back. There is general oxidisation and surface wear throughout. There is a 1cm chip to the circular opening on the animal's back, where the vase attaches. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are losses to hardstone inlays. There is also a 0.2cm hole to the front right leg, and at her minor pinholes. There are chips and bruises to the underside of the feet, and other minor surface wear and oxidisation.
"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."

This powerful sculpture, which probably dates from the 15th century, is cast in the lost wax process, with the base, mane and tail intricately modelled and the eyes retaining their semi-precious stone decoration. The rich patina adds to the overall impression of strength and vitality. The bronze was probably used as a combined incense burner, flower vessel and decorative sculpture. For an example of an animal incense burner with similar modelling, see a large bronze ‘Central Asian and Buddhist lion’ incense burner and cover from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 210.