A FINE FAMILLE-ROSE BUDDHIST EMBLEM ALTAR VESSEL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

modelled in openwork as the Wheel of the Law (Dhamachakra) beribboned with turquoise veils and inset within a broad ring decorated with scrolling lotus, supported on an elaborate pedestal formed of a large petalled lotus pod with a turquoise top detailed with seeds, above a central post with a multi-coloured herringbone motif flanked by feathery scrolls, resting on a domed circular base enameled on the white ground with pendent pink and blue petal lappets enclosing flames, the foot ring decorated with a pink key-fret border, the underside glazed turquoise and inscribed with an iron-red seal mark within a central cartouche reserved in white 

There are traces of old glue around the peg with which the wheel fits into the lotus base, some light discolouration around the edge of the domed base, a couple of minute flakes above the keyfret band encircling the foot ring, but overall the emblem is in very good condition.
"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."

A closely related example, together with another ornament surmounted by an Endless Knot, was sold in these rooms, 15^th May 1990, lot 244; and further altar emblems of this type with a white ground were also sold in these rooms, 29^th October 1991, lot 268 (Conch Shell), and 26^th October 1993, lot 244 (Twin Fish, Vase, Canopy and Wheel). A pair of altar ornaments of this type, but with a green-ground base, was sold in these rooms, 27^th April 1999, lot 448; and another pair was sold at Christie’s New York, 19^th September 2007, lot 414.

Sets of eight Buddhist Emblems were produced to ornament altars; see a complete set of famille rose stands of this type pictured in situ on the altar of the Fanzong Lou (Hall of Buddhism) in the Forbidden City, Beijing, illustrated in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Beijing, 1992, pl. 99-1, together with sets of ornaments in gilt-copper and silver gilt with large lotus-shaped supports bearing the Qizheng (Seven Royal Treasures) and the Babao (Eight Auspicious Treasures), pls 138 and 139 respectively. Another Qianlong famille rose set, but the emblems supported on turquoise ground pedestals painted with iron-red dragons and vases holding leaves, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28^th November 2005, lot 1619.