A hardstone inlaid gilt-bronze 'double-phoenix' censer Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

well-cast in the form of a pair of confronting phoenix, their bodies conjoined on their left sides around a short hollow cylindrical trunk studded with lingzhi, each bird balancing on one leg on a rock base with the second leg drawn up towards the body,  the base set with further lingzhi, the feathers and lingzhi embellished with hardstones including malachite, jadeite, quartz, carnelian, and blue and green glass, the bodies further incised with fine feathers

Rothschild Family Collection, Paris. 

The overall condition is very good with little wear to the gilding. There may be a few hardstones that may be later replacements.
"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."

Elaborately inlaid and finely cast censers of this phoenix form are rare and the present piece is remarkable for its exquisite craftsmanship and preservation of the inlaid stones. A closely related example was sold at Christie's New York, 2^nd June 1989, lot 368; and another censer, but cast with the two birds sitting on a rockwork base, was offered at Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th September 1992, lot 911. Compare also a similarly inlaid censer in the form of a single bird, sold in our New York rooms, 7^th April 1988, lot 298.

Sumptuously inlaid censers were also made in the form of a phoenix surmounting a mythical beast, known as yingxiong (champion) censers. For example, see one sold in these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 396. Censers of this type were also made in the form of mythical beasts, such as the one sold in our New York rooms, 18^th September 2007, lot 140.

The history of inlaying materials with coloured stones in China dates to the late Neolithic period when objects made of clay, lacquered wood and bone were inlaid with jade and turquoise. By the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1050BC) turquoise inlay became a dominant decorative technique on weaponry and plaques. This technique was further developed during the Zhou (c. 1050-256BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties with the production of vessels decorated with gold, silver and semi-precious stones. A fine example of a Han gilt-bronze figure of a bear decorated with shaped and circular pieces of agate and turquoise set into reserves, and the bear's eyes set with rock crystal, was included in the exhibition Sculpture and Ornament in Early Chinese Art, Eskenazi, London, 1996, cat. no. 18. The present censer is clearly inspired by archaic inlaid vessels and is a contemporary version of this rich and colourful decorative technique.