A FINE GOLD MINIATURE PAGODA QING DYNASTY

the hexagonal structure finely chased in gold rising from a jadeite base of conforming shape with a low pierced gold balustrade, the central section detailed on each side with four vertical panel doors picked out in gold wire with quatrefoil and lattice motifs, surrounded by six columns supporting a two-tiered sloping roof, the eaves finely incised with leaf lappets below a border of ruyi along the edges and six kui dragon tiles at the corners, culminating with a tear-dropped shaped finial, all supported on a carved hexagonal wood stand

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and the early 90s.

The overall condition is very good. The balustrade is slightly warped. Some sections of the lintel and balustrade are a somewhat loosely attached to the main structure. The finial on top of the roof may possibly be a replacement.
"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."

Shrines such as the present piece, intricately detailed and made from precious materials, were made in the Zaobanchu (Palace Workshops) by specialist craftsmen. A great variety of expensive materials were employed in the production of shrines and were made in three types: in imitation of stupas, in the form of Chinese auspicious symbols such as peaches, gourds and ruyi, and those in imitation of architectural structures such as the present piece. Such architectural structures took its form after Imperial buildings and were an innovation of the Qing dynasty.

See three gilt-bronze shrines of related form, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Monarchy and its Buddhist Way. Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, pl. 31; and an elaborate seven-tiered pagoda, in the Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, illustrated in Zhongguo jin yin boli falang qi, vol. 3, Shijiazhuang, 2004, pl. 315. Compare also a gold pavilion-shaped parfumier on a hexagonal base, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, Hong Kong 2004, pl. 8.