A FINE CLOISONNE 'QILIN' CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG/JIAQING PERIOD

naturalistically modelled, the white bodied beast standing four-square with bushy blue tail and head turned sharply to the right with gilt jaws open bearing its large tongue and sharp teeth, the detachable oval saddle-cloth cover surmounted by a small seated boy wearing a floral blue-ground robe and holding an ingot in his right hand

The censer is in very good overall condition with the exception of: small areas of restoration to the enamel around the feet of the boy, to his right shoulder and to three areas of the bottom edge of his robe (each circa 1cm., wide); a small (circa 5mm., diam.) area of restoration to the right side edge of the cover and around the rectangular aperture in the middle; light rubbing to the gilding of the cover and beast.
"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."

A matching, opposite facing example from the T. B. Kitson Collection was sold in our rooms on 30th May 1961, lot 404, and again on 7th June 1967, lot 268.