the deep U-shaped body supported on tripod enamel legs modeled as elephants' heads with curled trunks, the sides decorated with a dense flowering lotus scroll centered with shou medallions, flanked by handles in the form of further elephants' heads with trunks extended, the steeply domed pierced cover, 18th century, with large ruyi-shaped panels divided by a pierced gilt-bronze lotus scroll, the later knop molded as a recumbent elephant elaborately harnessed with a howdah in the form of an offering bowl fitted with Precious Objects, standing on a gilt-bronze triangular base with low gallery, the side pieces in the form of caparisoned elephants each supporting a tall tapered vase, standing on bases matching the centerpiece (10)

Howard B. Keck (1913-1996), La Lanterne, Bel Air, California.
Sotheby's New York, 5th December 1991, lot 21.

The cover is 18th century with a later finial. There is break in the reticulated section of the cover near the ruyi lappet. There are chips and areas of fill to the elephant finial. There is a crack to one of the cener's legs. There are chips and fills to the handles and legs and pitting, wear and small cracks to the enamels overall. The stand of the censer is missing a section of the railing. The two vases have chips and areas of fill to the white enamel on the elephants and pitting to the rest of the enamels, small cracks and signs of wear.
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.