A cloisonne enamel 'ball-flower' tripod censer and cover Qing dynasty, Yongzheng period

the globular body supported on three tall columnar legs gently tapering towards the feet, flanked by two gilt-bronze dragon handles formed by a pair of qilong clutching the shoulders and edge of the flattened everted rim, finely enamelled overall with a 'ball-flower' motif reserved on a turquoise ground, with various multi-colored flowerheads borne on scrolling stems, below a raised lappet collar and foliate band around the short neck, the cover of flattened bell shape, similarly decorated and surmounted by a 'sanyang kaitai' knop with three goats encircling a yin-yang medallion atop a lotus pedestal base (2)

This is in overall good condition with minor loss to enamel, some filled with wax. The cloisons are intact and have retained their gilding. The cover with two small casting faults to the finial lappets.
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.

The 'ball-flower' motif was a particular innovation of the Yongzheng period and was usually found on doucai and famille-rose porcelain, but is almost unknown in cloisonné enamels, although painted Beijing enamel cups and vases are known. Compare a painted enamel ovoid vase and cover, with an early Qianlong mark, decorated with the 'ball-flower' motif on a white ground, illustrated in Zhongguo meisu quanji, vol. 10 (Enamel, Glass, Gold, Silver and Gilt-Bronze), no. 341; as well as a black-ground cloisonné enamel tripod censer attributed to the Yongzheng period, sold in these rooms, 20th March 2007, lot 547.