of rectangular section, the flaring sides supported on four animal-mask feet and flanked by a pair of lion-mask handles, cast to the sides in relief with rectangular panels enclosing mythical beasts diving and splashing amid cresting, roiling waves, the reticulated cover with a pair of dragons and phoenix cast in high relief darting among scrolling clouds, surmounted by a flaring cylindrical knop encircled by a band of key fret and upright lappets, the base with an apocryphal Xuande mark within a recessed cartouche (2)

The top part of the finial is missing. Overall with expected light wear, small occasional dents and pitting, and minor casting imperfections.
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.

Censers of this flaring rectangular form are rare in comparison with similar decorated examples of oval section. For similar rectangular examples compare a similar censer and cover, decorated with mythical beasts and with a matching stand sold in our London rooms, 16th May 2012, lot 154; and one without the stand sold in these rooms, 21st September 2006, lot 231; another sold at Christie's London, 1st November 1982, lot 99. See also a censer without the cover sold in these rooms, 26th February 1983, lot 326, and a related example but with dragon decoration overall, sold in these rooms, 21st March 2018, lot 630. An oval-section example of this type is in the Saint Louis Museum of Art and illustrated in Philip K. Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes, The Saint Louis Art Museum and Robert E. Kresko Collections, Saint Louis, 2008, pl. 18.