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

each modelled standing, the head raised on a graceful arched neck, with iron-red crest and long gilt beak, one crane with a black body, the second crane with a white body, the wings and tail feathers on each crane as a cover, the feathers depicted in brightly coloured enamels, mounted on a later pedestal base

Sotheby's London, 31st October 1986, lot 379.

The pair of cranes and covers are in very good overall condition with the exception of a circa 5mm dent and associated loss to enamel on the side of the white bodied crane and a similar sized loss of enamel to the tail feathers on the cover, a 1mm nick to the enamel on the top of the cover, loss to seven tiny sections of the enamel on the cover of the black-bodied bird, a 1cm., diam., dent to the back of the body (hidden by the cover), a 1mm., dent to the side of the red crest, and minor enamel scratches and rubbing to the gilding of both birds and covers.
"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."

Compare a related pair of cranes of slightly larger size and turquoise bodies sold in these rooms, 7th November 1995, lot 207; a pair of yellow-bodied examples, sold at Christie's London, 5th October 1970, lot 136; and a single white crane sold in these rooms, 24th April 1987, lot 417.