the globular body rising from a splayed foot to a waisted neck and a slightly everted rim, the shoulder set with a pair of mythical-beast-mask-and-loop handles, the sides cast with a continuous band of confronting kuilong centered by shou characters, all reserved on a keyfret ground, the domed cover pierced with archaistic angular kuilong, surmounted by a conical finial encircled by a band of keyfret, the top with a reticulated coin motif, the base inscribed with an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark within a recessed rectangular cartouche (2)

The censer and cover are in good overall condition with expected wear, small nicks and minor pitting to the surface.
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.