An embellished gilt-metal vase and cover Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period

of baluster form, the gilt ground with low-relief lappet bands and a geometric-diaper, fabulously embellished with facetted multi-colored glass stones, the shoulders encircled by red and green shou medallions flanked by blue truncated keyfrets, divided on each side by a pair of red 'bat' ring-handles, between a keyfret collar and a pair of red bats alternating with blue archaistic motifs around the base, all below a ruyi-head band to the neck, the domed cover similarly decorated with four further red bats below the red and white finial (2)

The vase and cover are in good overall condition with the glass embellishments intact, though some have been chipped and a few pieces are missing. There is light wear to the gilding. The color of the gold and blue are much more vibrant than on the catalogue image.
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.

Compare a related set of eight auspicious Buddhist emblems with similar glass stone inlay in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in A Special Exhibition of Buddhist Gilt Votive Objects, Taipei, 1995, no. 30; and a small gilt-bronze censer and cover illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Christopher Bruckner, Chinese Imperial Patronage: Treasures from Temples and Palaces, London, 1998, cat.no. 27, where it is suggested that the censer was made possibly as a tribute gift to the court in Beijing or was designed and commissioned by the court itself.