A CLOISONNE ENAMEL INCENSE BURNER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of bulbous form with high rounded sides, resting on a plain slightly splayed foot, the sides applied with a pair of scaly twisted fish-dragons and decorated with flowering lotus and Buddhist emblems amid stylised floral scrolls on a light turquoise ground, all beneath a border of ruyi-shaped lappets, the cover with scrolling lotus design and with four pierced gilt-metal ruyi-shaped heads enclosing bats flying amid waves, radiating from the central gilt metal knop moulded with a writhing dragon

Sotheby's New York, 24th January, 1975, lot 257

This large and impressive censer and cover are in very good overall condition with the exception of small areas of shrinkage to the enamels, overall pitting to the enamels, an 8 x 5mm., area of pink enamel loss to one lotus on the cover, light rubing to the gilding on the rims and extremities of the handles and knop, and both handles and knop are slightly loose.
"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 similar incense burner with blue enamelled inward facing fish-dragon hanldes is illustrated in Claudia Brown, Chinese Cloisonne. The Clague Collection, Phoenix, 1980, p. 101. The pierced work on the cover of the Clague example is reversed, with the cloud collar and bats motifs rendered in enamel.