A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL CRANE CENSERS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each naturalistically modelled standing, the iron-red crested head raised on a long graceful arched neck, the body in white with wing and tail feathers highlighted in black and blue enamel, the legs and beak gilt

Sotheby's London, 17th June 1998, lot 496.

The [pair of carnes are in good overall condition with the exception of restoration to the enamel around the thinnest part of the neck of one bird (circa 2.5cm wide band) and on the same model to a 2 x 0.5cm area of the blue enamel at the edge of the base and minor loss to the black enamel at the tail feathers and light rubbing to the gilding on both.
"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."

Two closely related pairs of cranes standing on similar floral and foliate flat circular base were sold at in these rooms, 20th February 1968, lot 41, and 14th April 1970, lot 24; another pair was sold in our Monaco rooms, 12th February 1979, lot 613; and a fourth pair was sold at Christie's New York, 29th January 1980, lot 166. Compare also a pair of cranes on turtle-shaped stands, from the Mrs. Mary Neame collection, included in Sir Harry Garner, Chinese and Japanese Cloisonne Enamels, London, 1962, pl. 75; and a pair published in Gunhild Gabbert Avitabile, Die Ware aus dem Teufelsland, Hannover, 1981, pl. 103.