Rare socle en bronze doré Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIIE-XVIIIE siècle

formé de deux dragons à cinq griffes entrelacés, chacun brandissant la perle sacrée dans une patte et reposant sur leurs autres pattes formant les six pieds, la gueule grande ouverte laissant apparaître les crocs, les yeux exorbités, l'expression féroce, leurs longs corps sinueux recouverts d'écailles finement ciselées, l'épine dorsale saillante

Acquired in China in the early 1900's, thence in the family by descent.

The stand is in overall very good condition with the exception that three of the originally four hairs/tendrils issuing from the dragons' nose are missing. The stand is very heavy and the heavy gilding a rich golden tone. There is a small area of wear to the underside of each foot where the gilding has worn off and the bronze underneath is visible.
"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 pair of very similar gilt-bronze stands cast in the form of two powerful entwined dragons, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss, The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, cat.no. 15. See also another pair of gilt-bronze stands sold in our Paris rooms, 14th June 2007, lot 57.