Rare vase archaïsant en bronze dore et émaux cloisonnés en forme de Phenix Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

représenté debout sur ses pattes, le plumage chatoyant multicolore finement détaillé, la tête au long bec aplati en bronze doré tournée vers la gauche, portant sur son dos un vase à l'imitation des bronzes archaïques reposant sur une base lotiforme la section centrale renflée, les bords largement évasés, à décor de fleurs épanouies dans des rinceaux feuillagés, palmes stylisées et motifs géométriques

The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York.
Christie’s London, 15th November 2000, lot 101.

The duck is in very good overall condition with some light wears to the enamels around the vase on the back of the duck and some small areas of losses to the enamels have been filled in below the tail.
"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."

Vessels made in the form birds were popular under the Qianlong emperor and their popularity can be seen in the number of examples of different styles, some of them with attached wheels, formerly in the Qing court collection. Compare, for instance, three examples, one of them bearing a Qianlong date, published in Zhongguo Meishu Quanji, vol. 10, Zhongguo Jin Yin Falangqi Quanji, Shijiazhuang, 2002, cat.nos. 22, 23 and 24. See another example formerly in the Qing court collection, illustrated in Enamel Ware in th3 Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, cat.nos. 44 and 70.