the heavily cast cylindrical body supported on three short zoomorphic legs, set with a pair of elephant-head loop handles, the surface patinated to a warm brown colour, the base with an apocryphal mark reading Daming Xuande wunian jiandu gongbu guanchen Wu Bangzuo zao (Made for the Board of Works under the Supervision of Wu Bangzuo in the Fifth Year of Xuande) within a recessed square

The censer is heavily cast and in good condition, with the exception of a ca. 4 x 4 cm filled-in area inside the censer indicating that one handle was likely secured.
"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."