of archaistic fangding form, the rectangular body decorated to each side with a central shou medallion flanked by a pair of writhing dragons amid dense cloud scrolls, divided at the center and edges with notched vertical flanges, the everted rim set with a pair of upright loop handles similarly decorated, the base with a dragon roundel surrounded by undulating lotus scrolls, all supported on four stylized dragon-form legs, the tiered openwork cover with alternating gilt-bronze floral bands and pendent cloisonné lappets rising to a Buddhist lion finial, fixed to wood stand (2)

Collection of Dr. Alfred Owre (1870-1935).
American Art Galleries, New York, 8th February 1917, lot 713.
American Private Collection, and thence by descent. 

The legs have been stabilized with metal screws at the censer's base; screws have been inserted at the feet to secure the legs to the present stand; and there is a loss to the top of one leg (repaired with a metal patch that is partially flaked and lifting). The cloisonné enamel has characteristic pitting and darkening. The cover has minor warping to some sections; loosening of some flanges and the finial; minor losses to the cloisonné enamel; and traces of re-gilding.
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.

This censer is impressive for its large and imposing form, which reflects the high level of technical skill exercised by craftsmen active during the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Vessels of this large size posed craftsmen the challenge of firing the enamel evenly over a broad surface area, which has been successfully achieved on the present censer. The shape originates from the ritual bronze fangding of the Shang (16th century-c.1050 BC) and Zhou (c.1050-221 BC) dynasties. By fusing an archaic form with a contemporary design of confronting chilong and a central shou character, all surrounded by scrolling clouds, the craftsmen have achieved a modern aesthetic.  

No other censer of this size appears to be published, although a smaller one of similar shape, but decorated with a taotie design and surmounted with a simpler reticulated cover, which forms part of an altar set in the Pierre Uldry Collection, is illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonne. Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Zurich, 1985, pl. 267; and a further example was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29th November 1978, lot 442.  Another covered censer of similar shape, but decorated with lotus scrolls, was sold twice in our London rooms, 8th June 1993, lot 145, and again, 12th July 2006, lot 99. See also a smaller Wanli mark and period fangding, similarly decorated with two confronting red dragons and a shou character, but with mask-head legs and lacking the flanges, with a related later cover, was sold in our London rooms, 24th February 1970, lot 26.