A BRONZE 'DRAGON' ALTAR CANDLESTICK MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

with a bell-shaped base, a dish tray and tapering shaft, all crisply cast with dragons confronting upon 'flaming pearls' in bands divided by key-fret borders, the mark cast around the bottom interrupting a border of leaves, the bronze richly patinated with traces of malachite encrustation

Sotheby's London, 5th June 1981, lot 73 (part lot).

The upper section of the candlestick (a small dish and spike) is missing as visible on the photograph. It was already missing in 1981 when the candlestick first sold in our London rooms. Otherwise the candlestick is in good condition. There is some malachite oxidization to the surface and beneath the base, including two small patches of oxidization with light associated pitting below the dragons on the main register, as well as surface wear and occasional minute dents along the edges, all commensurate with age.
"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."

Candlesticks of this form, bearing a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, formed part of five-piece altar sets. Vessels of this type cast with the decoration of dragons, the symbol of Imperial authority, were made for specific temples in the Forbidden City where the Emperor and his family worshipped and conducted religious ceremonies. See a complete bronze altar garniture, comprising an incense burner, a pair of slightly larger candlesticks and a pair of vases, from the Robert H. Clague collection, included in the exhibition China’s Renaissance in Bronze, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1996, cat. no. 38. Compare also two Qianlong bell stands of related decoration and quality sold in our Paris room, 9th June 2010, lots 39 and 40. The present piece was originally part of a pair, sold in our London rooms, 5th June 1981, lot 73.