- 345
A FINELY CARVED CELADON JADE ‘TAOTIE’ CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, EARLY QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- jade
the compressed globular body rising to a waisted neck and everted rim, flanked by a pair of deftly carved winged dragon handles, all supported on three cabriole legs issuing from animal masks, the body decorated in low relief with a band of taotie masks, the base carved with further archaistic masks and cicada lappets between the feet, the domed cover similarly decorated, surmounted by a coiled dragon in openwork clutching a flaming pearl in its claws, the stone of a grayish celadon tone with streaks of milky-white and darker green inclusions mottled with black (2)
Provenance
Presented to Sir Winston Churchill by the County Borough of Brighton on 3rd October 1947, and thence by descent.
Condition
The censer is in good condition. The cover with a chip to one dragon whisker, a knock above one eye and a small chip to the one of the claws.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
On October 3rd, 1947 Sir Winston Churchill received Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Brighton by the Brighton Council; a tribute awarded to 'persons of distinction, and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent service to the borough'. The ceremony took place at the Great Hall where Churchill was presented with the 'scroll' and 'casket'; the latter being the present jade censer and cover. After accepting the honor, Churchill extended his thanks and reminisced about his three years of school at Hove and his 1940 wartime visit to the area to see General Montgomery.
In gratitude for Churchill's skilled and inspiring leadership throughout the difficult war years, nearly every village, city and borough was eager to honor the former prime minister, to such an extent that he simply could not accept every invitation. The 1947 Freedom of the Borough fit into his schedule nicely as it coincided with the Conservative Party Conference held at the Brighton Royal Pavilion the next day. Churchill's address to his fellow conservatives included this famous quote, "In a long and varied life I have constantly watched and tried to measure the moods and inspirations of the British people. There is no foe they will not face. There is no hardship they cannot endure. Whether the test be sharp and short or long and wearisome, they can take it. What they do not forgive is false promising and vain boasting."
In gratitude for Churchill's skilled and inspiring leadership throughout the difficult war years, nearly every village, city and borough was eager to honor the former prime minister, to such an extent that he simply could not accept every invitation. The 1947 Freedom of the Borough fit into his schedule nicely as it coincided with the Conservative Party Conference held at the Brighton Royal Pavilion the next day. Churchill's address to his fellow conservatives included this famous quote, "In a long and varied life I have constantly watched and tried to measure the moods and inspirations of the British people. There is no foe they will not face. There is no hardship they cannot endure. Whether the test be sharp and short or long and wearisome, they can take it. What they do not forgive is false promising and vain boasting."