A pair of gilt-bronze and deer antler stirrups Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

each oval base pierced to the center with a lobed aperture, joined by arching panels of deer antler applied to a gilt-bronze strap, rising from reticulated gilt-bronze mounts cast with foliate scrollwork on each end, all below the gilt-bronze surmount formed by two ferocious qilin heads facing opposite dragons, divided by a rectangular cartouche pierced for suspension, the antler carved to the exterior with a series of parallel grooves (2)

There is some loss to the gilding; the stirrups are in good overall condition.
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.

Giuseppe Castiglione's equestrian portrait of the Qianlong Emperor in ceremonial armor on horseback, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperor's, The Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2006, cat.no. 65, depicts a very similar pair of stirrups suspending from the saddle seat (fig. 1). See also a pair of cloisonné enamel stirrups, similarly cast with a pair of gilt-bronze dragon heads pierced to the center for suspension, illustrated in Gunhild Gabbert Avitabile, Die Ware aus dem Teufelsland, Hannover, 1981, cat.no. 64, from the collection of the Museum fur Kunsthandwerk, Frankfurt am Main; and another sold in our London rooms, 13th June 2005, lot 216.