A RARE PAIR OF 'MYTHOLOGICAL-SUBJECT' WINE COOLERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of cylindrical form with lion-mask handles, painted with a continuous landscape scene of 'The Judgment of Paris' all beneath a rouge-de-fer and gilt scroll border

Both wine coolers are in very good condition with the exception of minor rubbing to the black and red decoration on the handles and light rubbing to the gilding predominantly on the rims. It should be noted that the porcelain is slightly whiter and the enamels slightly darker and brighter than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

It is extremely rare to find Qianlong wine coolers painted with the design known as 'the Judgement of Paris'. This mythological scene was more commonly used on dishes, saucers and teawares; for example see a cup and saucer illustrated in David Howard and John Ayers, Chinese for the West, vol. 1, London, p. 329, pl. 324, where it is noted that the scene is after a European print which has not yet been identified. The scene shows the shepherd Paris, offering the golden apple to the goddess Aphrodite who is about to accept the gift. Aphrodite's sisters, Hera and Athena are watching with disappointment.

Six variations of this decoration within different borders are published by Francois and Nicole Hervouet and Yves Bruneau, La Porcelaine des Compagnies des Indes, Paris, 1986, pls. 13.71-13.76; a punch bowl with this design was sold in these rooms, 3^rd November 1987, lot 601; and a plate was sold in our New York rooms, 18^th January 1997, lot 1316.