A RARE SMALL TRIPOD CENSER SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the bombé sides supported on three tapered legs rising to a pair of upright loop handles on the rim, decorated on the sides with a frieze of archaistic scroll designs in low relief against a mottled turquoise-green ground, the waisted neck encircled by a band of dots, and a band of archaistic scrolls around each leg, covered overall in a rich bronze-toned glaze dusted with gold flecks, impressed with the four-character seal mark, fitted with a carved 'lotus leaf' wood cover

The censer is in very good condition overall, apart from light surface scratches to the interior and slight rubbing to the gilding.
"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."

The present piece is an example of the innovative and unconventional designs achieved in ceramics manufacturing during Qianlong's reign.  During his reign, and often under his personal supervision, simulations were produced that were difficult to separate from the 'real' and these pieces became the trompe-l'oeil of ceramics.  The present piece, simulating a gilt-bronze censer, is an example of the trompe-l'oeil pieces manufactured in the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. 

See a related censer with similar glaze and gilt decoration and green 'patination' included in A Special Exhibition of Incense Burners and Perfumers Throughout the Dynasties, Taipei, 1994, cat.no. 83. A tripod censer with similar glaze but slightly different form was sold in these rooms 31st October 1995, lot 350.  Compare a tripod censer decorated with a similar technique of gilt on a robin's-egg ground, with a Qianlong seal mark and of the period, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26th September 1989, lot 701.