A White Jade Tripod Censer and Cover Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

of compressed globular form with low, broadly-collared neck, on three sturdy compressed cabriole legs issuing from curly-maned lion heads, the shoulder with twin handles in the form of curly-maned horned beasts with pendant rings, the domed cover with flattened top surmounted by a Buddhist lion with cub, the nearly flawless stone of an even white with pale-green tone, finely carved and polished, wood stand (3)

Mrs. F. Clore Davis, London (sister of Sir Charles Clore), by repute.
G. Malina, Inc, New York.
Acquired from the above by the present owner, January, 1982.

slight internal flaw to shoulder of censer, repair to tail of adult lion, otherwise good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The two lions on the cover of the present piece illustrates the pun taishi shaoshi, expressing the wish that one and one's descendants will achieve high rank.  For other examples of this censer form, compare the example with qilin finial to the cover, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 18th May 1988, lot 595; and another with lion and ball finial, sold in the same rooms, 30th October 1991, lot 405.  Compare also the censer with lion and cub finial to the cover, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th October 2001, lot 701.