A LARGE PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CRANES QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each modelled with tall gilt-bronze legs and claws standing on simulated rockwork atop a pedestal base, holding a large lingzhi fungus spray in their beaks forming the pricket candlestick and drip pan, the plumage brightly enamelled with feathery scrolls in green, red and shades of blue reserved on a turquoise ground, the detachable wings and tail feathers similarly enamelled and naturalistically detailed with finely worked cloisons

Sotheby's London, 13th July 2005, lot 225.

Both cranes are in good condition. One crane has areas of restoration around the lingzhi heads, stem and the underside of the drip-pan, there are traces of glue around the slightly bent beak where the candlestick is attached. The beak has a dent to one side. There are general areas of small dents and restoration to the enamels, such as an area to one side of the crown, a 1x1cm area to the front part of the wings, the back of the tail and other areas to the tip of the feathers. The underside of the wings have areas of enamel loss, and areas around the nail to which the upper wing cover is secured on the crane body has areas of enamel loss. There are possible casting flaws/ regilding to the legs. The bottom corners of the stands are slightly damaged and restored. The other crane has minor restoration around the eye, the front of the neck, the wings on the back, the back of the tail and other feather tips. There are chips and enamel crawling to the underside of the wings, revealing the metal surface underneath. There are possible casting flaws/regilding to the feet.
"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."

Cloisonné enamel cranes of this magnificent large size are rare, although a comparable slightly larger pair was sold in our New York rooms, 17^th April 1985, lot 318.  See also a smaller pair sold in these rooms, 12^th November 2003, lot 183.