A RARE IMPERIAL CLOISONNE TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the turquoise-ground globular body decorated with pink enamelled lotus flowers borne on foliate scrolls with attendant buds, below a band of further lotus scrolls on the shoulder and waisted neck, the gilded key-fret rim encircling the mouth fitted with a pair of gilt-bronze dragons with arching bodies resting on the shoulder and forming the handle, all supported on three cabriole legs, each issuing from the open mouth of a gilt-bronze makara-like mythical beast latching on the to the bottom of the vessel with a tapered cloisonné body forming the leg, the domed cover similarly decorated with lotus and foliate scrolls, surmounted by a large reticulated finial of further lotus and foliate scrolls, the top centred with a yin-yang symbol

An old English family collection, since 19th century.
Spink & Son, Ltd., London, 30th September 1959. 
D.C.R. Miller, Esq., Toronto, Canada.

The overall condition is very good. The enamelling is intact with only some minor pitting. The gilding is in very good condition as well as the wires. The handles and legs have not been detached.
"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 present piece relates to a group of covered censers of various sizes, unified by the overall form of globular body on scrolled makara legs, twin scrolled chilong handles and domed cover surmounted by a pierced finial.

For smaller related examples of this form, compare one with reversed makara heads on the legs sold in our London rooms, 3^rd June 1975, lot 32; a censer decorated with fruiting and flowering peach branches sold in these rooms, 11^th April 2008, lot 2807; and another with cloisonné lotus petal lappets at the shoulder, from the Fonthill Heirlooms and probably removed from the Imperial Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan, sold at Christie's London, 9^th November 2004, lot 23. A censer of similar form, but with a cloisonné enamel finial and decorated with floral gilt panels, see one in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-Bodies Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 150. Compare also censers of similar form and lotus scroll decoration, but with scroll handles and mask-head legs, such as two sold in our London rooms, 12^th March 1982, lot 208, and the other, 14^th May 2008, lot 645; and another sold in our London with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period sold at Christie's New York, 17^th September 2008, lot 190.