A PAIR OF CANTON ENAMEL GARDEN SEATS QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY |

each of quatrefoil section, finely enameled to the exterior with a floral meander the sinuous stems bearing colorful flowerheads and issuing curling leaves, all reserved on deep blue ground with gilt diaper-pattern decoration, each lobe with a pair of bats and phoenix with interlocking wings framing an oval aperture bisected by a ruyi head band, all below a ruyi head border and a recessed waist with pink elongated kuilong on green ground and a further ruyi band encircling the base, the interior enameled a pale yellow (2)

Christie's London, 19th February 1986, lot 181.

Both stools with restoration and consolidation to losses and wear particularly along the areas near and the edges of the openwork panels where the connecting ruyi-head bands have been repaired. There is crazing to the top panels and recessed waists. The interiors most likely once had interior forms which are now missing.
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.

A nearly identical pair to the present but each enclosing a gu-shaped central column, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th April - 2nd May 1995, lot 593. A related openwork seat of different pattern was sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 412.