TWO FAMILLE-ROSE BUDDHIST AUSPICIOUS EMBLEMS CHINA, JIAQING MARK AND PERIOD

each modeled as a large lotus blossom with multi-layered petals, supporting a circular pierced emblem, one of a stylized lotus blossom, the other of a ribbon-tied vase, all borne on stem decorated with multi-colored herringbone pattern, flanked by scrolling leaves, resting on a domed circular base painted with pendent lappets enclosing flames, above a key-fret border encirling the foot, the underside with an iron-red six-character seal mark reserved against a turquoise ground 

Christie's London, 1st December 1997, lot 114.

The circular medallions are detachable, but have been secured in their slots. The piece with the stylized lotus blossom has broken off at the base of the stem and been reattached, and there is a break below the head of the lotus support with some overpainting to the turquoise enamels on the underside. There are a number of chips to the tips of the lotus petals. There is also a break to a section of the circle enclosing the stylized lotus. The piece with the vase is broken and repaired though the lower section of the stem. The underside of the lotus support has turquoise overpaint, and there are chips to the tips of some lotus petals. There is a flake to the enamel on the circle enclosing the vase.
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.

These two emblems are part of a set of eight emblems called the 'Eight Auspicious Emblems', Bajixiang. Groups of eight symbols were originally used in ancient India in religious ceremonies and at occasions such as the enthronement of kings. The symbols evolved over time with different objects falling in and out of favor. The Eight Buddhist symbols represent the offerings presented to Shakyamuni by the gods upon his enlightenment, and entered China around the time of the Yuan dynasty.

The lotus symbolizes purity, as it grows from the depths of muddy water, but emerges clean and pure. The vase represents longevity and prosperity as the treasures within always remain full.

A closely related Daoguang example of the vase emblem was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 14th November 1983, lot 187; and another together with the wheel, was sold at Christie's Singapore, 30th March 1997, lot 262. Further auspicious emblems of this type have also been sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29th October 1991, lot 268 (Conch Shell), 26th October 1993, lot 244 (Twin Fish, Vase, Canopy and Wheel), and 27th April 1999, lot 448.

For an example of 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. Also illustrated are sets of ornaments in gilt-copper and silver gilt with large lotus-shaped supports bearing the Seven Adminstrative Treasures, Qizhengbao, and the Eight Treasures, Babao, pls. 138 and 139 respectively.