A CLOISONNE ENAMEL FACETED FLORAL VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of octagonal section with four prominent sides, each decorated with large peony, lotus and chrysanthemum blooms, the smaller facets with dark blue archaistic scrolling motifs, rising to a curved waisted neck with peony sprays and buds, adorned on the faceted corners of the shoulder with bronze mythical birds, their prominent beaks perched over the edge, each corresponding to bronze Buddhist lions at the foot bearing the vase on their backs, the canted cover decorated en suite, surmounted by a prominent bronze lingzhi cluster finial, the ground of turquoise blue with wire wan decoration (2)

The finial on the cover requires tightening (one of the two nuts is missing on the underside) and there is some loss to the enamel on the top. Three of the canted sides have bruises, resulting in minor loss of enamel. The cloisons have retained their gilding. In otherwise good condition. The vase is in overall good condition. One of the mythical beast feet is slightly loose. The gilding is rubbed on the mythical beasts on the feet and shoulders, though there are still visible areas of strong gilding. Some small holes visible on the angeled corners where gilt-bronze vertical attachments would have originally been. Some very minor losses and bruises on the surface. The cloisons have retained their gilding.
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.

Examples of similar vases and covers are in several museum collections, including the British Museum and a pair in the Summer Palace, Beijing. A closely related pair from the Toms Collection, was sold in our London rooms, 7th - 9th June 1995, lot 26; and another single vase of this form and related decoration, though slightly smaller, was sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2005, lot 116.