AN UNUSUAL CLOISONNE 'PEACH' SHAPED JARDINIERE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the vessel modelled in the form of a double peach, decorated with bats and precious objects amongst cloud scrolls, the interior gilded to one side, the other compartment with a 'cracked ice' design, the body garnished with a large branch from which spring two pomegranates and a spray of lingzhi fungus

The double-peach jardiniere is in in very good overall condition with only minor dicolouration to the blue enamel on the base of one compartment and loss to the gilt decoration in the base of the other. The large gilt and enamel branch has restoration and loss to the enamel of the linzhi heads, a fracture across the base of one branch, and loss and restoration to the enamels of approximately a third of the surface of each of the large detachable pomegranates.
"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."

Large cloisonne jardinieres of this peach form are extremely rare although the present piece is closely comparable with a vessel reputedly from the Summer Palace, Beijing, sold in our New York rooms, 23rd March 1997, lot 111. Compare also a related large peach-shaped vessel, formerly in the Sir John Buchanan-Jardine and Kitson collections and included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 2019, sold in these rooms, 18th October 1960, lot 84.

The peach fruit in China is one of the richest in symbolism, making it the favoured fruit for design. It is associated with longevity, immortality and blessing for a new Spring or new beginning. The pomegranate symbolises abundance and a wish for many sons and grandsons, and the lingzhi fungus apart from its association with immortality, is also a pun for the Chinese word 'intelligent' (ling). In its shape the lingzhi  resembles the head of the ruyi, hence it can also represent the 'granting of one's wishes' .