A PAIR OF CANTON-ENAMEL IMPERIAL TRIBUTE STUPAS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each with globular body supported on a splayed circular base, opening to an alcove on one side, rising to a galleried rim surmounted by a tapering ' firing cone' encircled by ten ribs, surmounted by a platform enclosing a gilt-bronze cintamani emblem, the body enamelled in shades of gilt on an indigo-blue ground with five lotus blossoms wreathed in interlocked foliate scrolls, below a row of gilt bosses and finely chased gilt-bronze lion masks alternating with addorsed 'C' scrolls around the shoulder, the top of the neck constricted with a beaded band and decorated with multi-coloured petal lappets below an undulating foliate gallery encircling the gilt cone and repeated around the canopy, the foot picked out with pendent lappets below a band of floret scrolls reserved on turquoise, the recessed base enamelled in light blue, the square stand set with an apron of pierced ruyi

There is some oxidation and tarnishing to the gilding to both, predominantly on the cone and around the shoulder, as well as on the footring to one. Each stupa can detach from the square base and the cone is loosely attached on top of the bulbous section. The niches are empty. Otherwise both pieces are in overall 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."