A GILT-SPLASHED BRONZE PAPERWEIGHT, PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

cast with two phoenix on a flat ground enclosed by stylized waves lapping over the edge, the two mythical birds lying on their backside with tails overlapping and their wings outstretched to the side, the surface generously splashed with gold

The overall condition is very good. The gilding is in very good condition. The actual size is about 50% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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 delicate small size, weight and flat base make the present piece an ideal paperweight, and the elegant curves of the birds' heads and their raised tails may have been used to rest a brush.

Mandarin ducks symbolize harmony and unity as they are thought to mate for life, hence their strong association with marital bliss and the wish for many distinguished sons. Usually depicted as a pair, the male duck looks towards his mate with a sense of attachment, which is skilfully depicted in this piece by the birds' tails as they are pressed together.     

For examples of bronze vessels made for the scholar's desk see a brushrest in the form of two entwined dragons, with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, pl. 156; a five-peaked mountain form brushrest published in The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, pl. 28, together with two vessels used as brushrests or paperweights in the form of reclining boys, pls. 30 and 31.