A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL 'ELEPHANT' CENSERS AND COVERS MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

each of large circular form resting on three elephant-head feet, each adorned with bejewelled garlands studded with hardstones, flanked at the sides by a pair of elephant-heads, their upturned tusks forming the handles, brightly decorated in cloisonné enamels with scrolling lotus blooms, the cover with a pierced gilt band depicting beast head scrolls, between bands of scrolling lotus and a floral scroll at the rim, surmounted by a large pierced knop with further lotus scrolls, the base of the censer with a gilt panel incised with the six-character mark

There are small areas of enamel loss and pitting to the enamel throughout. The gilding is worn as expected. The overall condition is good.
"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 Qianlong emperor was a keen collector of objects that were modelled after relics from antiquity. The present pair of censers takes its form from archaic ritual bronze ding vessels of the Shang and Zhou periods. Although the overall outline of this piece follows the archaic models, the Qing craftsmen added their own design elements and made liberal changes to the prototype, thus creating pieces that were contemporary and unique. For example, the elephant head handles seen on this censer have stylishly replaced the usual flaring rectangular loop handles. Elephant heads supporting the body and used as the feet on censers is reminiscent of Ming dynasty censers; for example see a censer attributed to Jingtai's reign, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 3, with a domed openwork cover that may have also inspired the design of the present cover.

Compare a related censer supported on three jewelled gilt-bronze elephant heads, and the domed cover decorated with three barbed cloisonné panels filled with flowers and reserved on a gilt-bronze cloud band and fret ground, from the Kitson collection, included in R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, Chinese Art. The Minor Arts, London, 1963, p. 212, pl. 99, where it is mentioned that the censer is a fine example of an ornate piece of cloisonné made for the Qing court.  Also see a related censer with similar elephant head handles and feet and a recumbent elephant on the cover supporting a vase, included in the exhibition Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1987, cat.no. 34; and another sold in these rooms, 7th October 2007, lot 1308.