A RARE AND IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL ZEBRAS LATE QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1900

each naturalistically modelled standing four-square with head raised, the hide alternately decorated with white and black stripes shading into pale green, divided by gilt wires and further inlaid with scrolling wires, the legs with horizontal stripes terminating in gilt hooves, the ears, eyes and separate tail gilt, each hollow-cast with an aperture on the back fitted with a cover

Sotheby's London, 19th June 2002, lot 146.

The zebras are in very good overall condition with the exception of minor nibbles and enamel loss to the tip of the jaws of one (as illustrated on the left in the catalogue) and one gilt ear bent slightly backwards to the same animal with minor associated enamel repair, light rubbing to the gilding of both and minimal characteristic enamel shrinkage and pitting to both.
"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 Qing dynasty is renowned for its cloisonné enamels, especially for the high quality, variety and large number of pieces produced in large sizes. Many were made to decorate palace interiors as well as the gardens and courtyards frequented by the emperor and his family members. Figures of animals were realized in cloisonné as a showcase, often forming a menagerie that included domestic  animals such as deer, rabbit, magpies, rooster, birds, cranes and unusual exotic species such as lions, mythical beasts and zebras.  

These two cloisonné zebras are striking for their size and fine enamelling. For similar examples see a pair sold in our New York rooms, 25^th September 1986, lot 328; and another sold in these rooms, 1/2^nd November 1984, lot 385. Cloisonné horses were also made standing in the same pose and of closely related size, for example, see a pair decorated in the archaistic taste on a turquoise ground, sold in these rooms, 23^rd March 1987, lot 99A.

Zebras were first brought to China by the famous mariner, explorer, diplomat and fleet admiral Zheng He (1371-1433) of the Ming dynasty.  It was during Zheng's fifth sea expedition, between 1416 and 1419, that he reached the shores of Mogadishu, Malindi and Aden in Africa where the Sultan of Aden offered the Chinese delegation zebras, lions and ostriches as gifts in exchange for gold, porcelain and silk received from the Chinese emperor.