Rare base rectangulaire en bronze doré et émaux cloisonnés Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

reposant sur quatre pieds aux angles, la partie inférieure décorée de fleurs de lotus dans des rinceaux feuillagés sous une frise de pétales stylisés, la partie centrale rythmée de colonnettes et cartouches en bronze doré à décor de caractères shou et chauves-souris stylisés, le couvercle imitant une draperie ornée de caractères shou, chauves-souris, têtes de ruyi et motifs géométriques, laissant apparaître les quatre angles très finement ciselés de fleurs de lotus, les bords soulignés de frises de grecques ; petites restaurations

Acquired from Galerie Jacques Vic, Cannes, 1980.

The cover is made separately from the base and acts like a lid. The enamels around the body of the base are in overall good condition with the exception of a small, ca. 1cm wide filled-in area near the base. The gilding of the gilt-metal parts is lightly worn in places. The enamels on the cover show some small areas of loss where the object that was standing on the piece was placed. There is a ca. 1cm break where one of th triangular parts of the cover joins the flat upper part. Some very minor wear to the gilding.
"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."

Compare a related square cloisonné base with a geometric pattern in the Uldry Collection, illustrated in Chinese Cloisonné. The Pierre Uldry Collection, London, 1989, pl. 241.