A CLOISONNE 'FANG DING' CENSER AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

based on the archaic bronze fang ding, the censer of rectangular section with sides slightly tapering to a flat base and supported on four columnar legs, the corners set with gilt-bronze flanges, the mouthrim set with a pair of upright inverted U-shaped handles, enamelled overall with a white floral diaper pattern reserved on a turquoise ground, the underside enameled with a four-character reign mark in gold on a blue square ground, the interior covered in gold, fitted with a similarly decorated tectiform cover surmounted by a gilt-bronze lion grasping a ribbon in its mouth

The overall condition is very good with very little loss to the enamelling. The gilding on the cloison wires and the interior are a little worn, but the gilding on the flanges, mouthrim and lion are in very good condition.
"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 companion piece to this censer, in the Pierre Uldry Collection, is illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: the Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989, pl. 242; and another was sold in these rooms, 9^th October 2007, lot 1543. Compare also a cloisonné enamel box decorated with a similar design, simulating a brocade box complete with two trompe l'oeil bone hooks and loops on the front side, illustrated in Zhongguo yin boli falang qi quanji, Shijiazhuang, 2002, pl. 74.

The inspiration of the design on the present censer appears to have come from contemporary textiles; see an embroidered silk table frontal with a similar geometric flower scheme, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, published in Verity Wilson, Chinese Textiles, London, 2005, pl. 41.