A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL CRANE CENSERS QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each naturalistically modelled standing upright, the head with a long gilt beak and iron-red crest raised on a graceful arched neck, the scaled body enamelled black, the winged feathers forming the domed cover highlighted in brightly enamelled colours, the tall legs and clawed feet in gilt, 24cm., 9 1/2 in; together with a pair of small standing cloisonne cranes

Sotheby's London, 5th June 1981, lot 140.

On one crane censer the claw of its left foot is broken off but there, there are some restored areas to the bodies of both crane censers and their covers and there is some minor loss to the enamel on the heads and crests. The other pair of closionne cranes is in overall good condition with exception to some minor loss to the enamel to the tips of the tail feathers.
"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 closely related pair of cranes was sold in these rooms, 19th December 1980, lot 49; and another slightly larger pair was sold in these rooms, 30th April 1980, lot 224.