A PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘PHOENIX’ LANTERNS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of lozenge form, the open frame decorated with archaistic kui dragons, set with four rectangular glass panels, the bevelled shoulders and foot similarly decorated with stylised lotus sprays and further kui dragon bands, the gilt-bronze rim and foot encircled by keyfret borders, all behind a pair of well-modelled phoenix standing on ornamental rocky ledges, each phoenix grasping a sprig of lingzhi in its beak, one bird with head turned sharply to its back while the other lowers and turns its head, their gilt-bronze heads finely detailed with elaborate feathers around the neck, brightly enamelled with plumage, all supported on a gilt-bronze plate above a carved wood pedestal

Both lanterns in very good general condition. The glass panels are later replacements and the wood stands likely later also. Both with characteristic pitting to the enamels with smaller areas of loss. The left hand lantern in the catalogue image with an old bronze repair to reverse of the right hand phoenix's head, with two areas of losses to enamels to the tail. The left phoenix with further enamel losses to the tail and one of the wings. The right hand lantern with losses and wax infill to the tail and wings of the right hand phoenix, and losses to enamels of left hand phoenix. All of the birds most likely re-affixed to their rocky stands, with three of the four slightly loose. Minor wear to gilded surfaces.
"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."

The ingenuity of craftsmen working in the Qianlong period is reflected in this pair of lanterns, which are remarkable for their unusual shape and design. By considering the primary function of these lanterns as a starting point for the work, to provide light from within the glass panels, the craftsman has deliberately depicted the phoenixes in exaggerated poses. Their craning necks and outstretched wings that are pressed against the glass would have cast dramatic shadows across the room when the lanterns were lit while providing an effective contrast with the glittering gilt bronze elements of the lanterns.

 

Cloisonné lanterns are more commonly found in square or rectangular form and without embellishments; see a pair of square-section lanterns sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th October 2009, lot 1738; a pair of rectangular lanterns sold in our London rooms, 28^th October 1983, lot 51; and two further pairs sold at Christie’s New York, 24^th March 2011, lot 1617, and 20^th September 2013, lot 1633.

 

It is rare to find phoenixes modelled in cloisonné enamel; a pair of large phoenix candlesticks was sold in our New York rooms, 18^th March 2008, lot 245; and an archaistically-rendered phoenix surmounted by a small vase, all fitted on wheels, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27^th May 2008, lot 1553.The mythical phoenix (sheng) is the emperor of all birds and appears during periods of peace and prosperity. It was also the symbol of the empress of China. Phoenixes were more often incorporated into cloisonné vessels in the form of gilt-bronze handles; for example see a vase flanked with phoenix handles sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29^th November 1879, lot 395; another sold in these rooms, 21^st June 1977, lot 203; and a cloisonné tripod censer sold at Christie’s London, 23^rd March, 1987.