A FINE ZITAN AND CLOISONNE ENAMEL MOUNTED SHRINE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular form, with removable steps rising to the galleried chamber, the entrance framed with a cloisonne enamel panel decorated with scrolling lotus and key-fret, the back with a rectangular cloisonne enamel panel decorated with taotie, framed with a panel of the bajixiang carved in relief, with four columns supporting an arched roof with pierced panels of lotus below dragons and shou symbols, on a lotus petal and lotus scroll base

This shrine is in good condition, but does have a 9cm x 2.5cm area of inner wood lining missing to the over hanging eave to the right side. There is also a 9cm x 1.5cm area of damage to the same point to the other side of the overhanging eave. There is a 3cm x 2cm area of repair to the interior front left section of the roof. There is a 4cm area of pierced panel missing to the front right section of the lowest section of the roof line and a similar area missing to the same section to the left side (the area closest to teh front). There is restoration to two of the hanging pendants to the left side (closest to the back). There is slight damage to one of the lappets to the front left corner and an area to the upper lappet to the front right corner. There is a possible repair to the 'floor' to the interior (8cm x 8cm) but this could be part of its construction. There is restoration to a number of the lions on the balustrade.
"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."

Shrines such as the present piece were all made in the Zaobanchu (Palace Workshops) by specialist craftsmen. Large and elaborate votive objects with the addition of cloisonné decorative panels were produced in three types: shrines in imitation of stupas, in the form of Chinese auspicious symbols such as peaches, gourds and ruyi, and those in imitation of architectural structures such as the present piece, which took after Imperial buildings and were an innovation of the Qing dynasty.

The present piece is comparable with several examples in the collection of the Summer Palace, Chengde, and included in the exhibition Buddhist Art from Rehol, The Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1999; for example see a Qianlong wood and cloisonné enamel rectangular shrine with nine images of Amitayus, cat. no. 91, and two carved zitan and gilt decorated examples of similar form, cat. nos 89 and 90. See also a similar imperial inscribed shrine sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31^st May 2010, lot 1966.