A very fine jadeite censer Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period

the shallow rounded sides set with a pair of bats with outstretched wings grasping a chrysanthemum flower and securing a loose ring handle, the sides further set with a pair of ruyi sceptres with tassles tied to the shaft, all set upon four ruyi head feet, the stone of bright apple-green tone with patches of white, original carved wooden stand

Apart from a couple minute nicks to the loops securing the loose ring handle, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

Jadeite ranks among the rarest and most precious materials to be used during the 18th century.  Although regular supplies of the stone did not occur until the normalization of previously hostile relations between China and Myanmar in late Qianlong reign of 1784, it quickly attracted great attention and passion of the Qianlong emperor.  Because of the limitations of existing carving tools and jadeite's unusual colouration, it was extremely difficult at the beginning for Palace craftsmen to work on this harder new material.  Earlier examples are often found with uneven glassy polish and cruder detailing because the abrasives and tools used to carve nephrite were not suitable on jadeite.   However, the highly skilled craftsmen at the Palace Workshops were able to overcome the difficulties quickly and produced impressive jadeite works of art such as the current example.  The jadeite itself is superb quality, of fine white colour in most places and spotted evenly with brilliant "apple green".  It exquisitely synthesizes the ancient archaic bronze form with the novel material and produces an elegant balance between the jadeite colour and ornamental carvings.