A RARE DOUCAI CANDLESTICK QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

the columnar candlestick above a wide drip pan with slightly flaring sides and everted rim, supported on a tall bell-shaped base and enameled and gilt throughout with a dense colorful lotus scroll issuing leaves with ruyi and key-fret bands, all banded or outlined in underglaze blue, six-character seal mark in a line within a gilt and iron-red border

There is a small restored over hairline crack running from the rim under the upper drip pan and around beneath the pan in two directions, approximately half way around. There is a sealed 2 inch (5cm) hairline running vertically down the knopped section of the stem beneath the lower drip pan.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Candlesticks of this type are usually found as part of an Imperial altar garniture, with matching incense burner and gu-form vases, all invariably decorated with bajixiang and lotus scrolls. A Qianlong-marked doucai-decorated five-piece altar garniture presented by Lord Kitchener to Sir Thomas Hohler, was sold in our London rooms, 16th December 1980, lot 677 and again in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 230.  A ruby-ground set is in the National Palace Museum and included in 'A Special Exhibition of Incense Burners and Perfumers Throughout the Dynasties', Taiwan 1994, illustrated in the Catalogue, no.105.