A FINE 'FAMILLE-ROSE' DRUM-SHAPED ARMREST QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of well potted hollowed out cylindrical form tapering slightly at the top and around the foot, brightly decorated around the sides with a frieze of large lotus blooms borne on leafy stems and reserved on a rich ruby ground finely incised with dense feathery scrolls, between two bands of triangular designs simulating drapes against lotus blooms on a ground of turquoise foliate scrolls, pierced at the apex with a coin and decorated with lotus foliate scrolls on a bright yellow-ground 

Estate of Lady Valerie Finnis Scott (1924-2006).

The armrest is in very good condition overall, with only minor surface scratches to the top, expected from usage and over time. There are two shallow firing kiln flakes on the foot.
"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."

The decoration seen on the present armrest involved high technical ability combined with impeccable craftsmanship. A complicated and laborious technique was employed for the central body, where the design is reserved on a monochrome enamel ground, itself structured by needle-point etching of endless strolling fronds. This technique was developed under Tang Ying, Superintendent at the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen during Qianlong's reign. A similar technique was used on a ruby-ground meiping decorated with related flower scroll design in famille-rose enamels in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 361, pl. 42.

Compare a slightly larger armrest of similar form but of slightly different decoration in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated ibid., pl. 48.