Rare paire de lanternes ajourées en porcelaine de la Famille Rose Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Jiaqing (1796-1820)

quadrangulaires, le pied et la partie haute de forme pyramidale, chaque face à décor ajouré d'un caractère shou central à l'or entouré de lotus stylisés parmi des rinceaux à fond turquoise, chaque facette du pied agrémentée d'une chauve-souris dans des rinceaux, la partie haute très délicatement peinte à l'or sur fond corail de fleurs de lotus dans des rinceaux stylisés se continuant le long des arêtes et soulignant le pied, monture métallique à l'intérieur ; petits éclats (5)

Acquired in the mid-19th century by a Belgian minister, thence in the family by descent.

Both lanterns are in overall good condition. They both have shallow chips to the edges of the body, the longest ca. 1 cm, and there is a chip to the corner of the rim on both lanterns. On both vases, the gilding of the shou-characters and the painted gold scrollwork and lotus flower sprays is slightly worn. There are small potting/firing flaws to the porcelain along the edges of the lower parts which have been painted over and gilt and are probably original to the time when the lanterns were made.
"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."