Brûle-parfum tripode couvert en jadéite Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795) ou début du XIXE siècle

le corps sphérique soutenu par trois pieds ajourés, agrémenté d'anses représentant des animaux fabuleux soutenant des anneaux mobiles, à décor archaïsant de phénix dans des rinceaux stylisés, le couvercle surmonté d'une prise en forme de bouton de lotus supportant quatre petits anneaux mobiles

Good overall condition with the exception of a small 3mm nick to one petal to the bud finial ; color is more green, less blue, than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

This ornate censer is carved from one of the rarest and most valued materials employed during the eighteenth century. Jadeite became popular in China after it was introduced from Myanmar in the early Qing dynasty and its use flourished under the Qianlong emperor. The translucency and luminosity of the material itself and the archaistic style of the present piece reflect the artistic and intellectual tastes of the Court.

Vessels of this globular form are rare; compare a later example with similarly carved decorative elements but of a more spherical shape, from the Whitaker Family collection, sold at Christie's London, 5/6^th July 1983, lot 542. Compare also a censer of related form, but raised on three mask feet and flanked with lion mask handles and the cover surmounted with a three-ringed knop, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19^th November 1986, lot 391.

For a closely related floral knop to the present piece, see a celadon jade censer from the Florence J. Gould collection, sold in our Monaco rooms, 27^th June 1984, lot 1449. This style of knop appears to derive from Mughal jade carving introduced into China during the Qianlong reign, which was characterised by thinly modelled flower-form elements such as cover and foot.