A CLOISONNÉ AND CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL INCENSE BURNER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

cast with a compressed globular body and rising to a short neck with a galleried rim surmounted by a pair of arched handles, all supported on three cabriole legs issuing from gilt-bronze Buddhist lion masks and decorated with elaborate leaves against a turquoise ground, the exterior brightly enamelled with clusters of flowers borne on undulating leafy scrolls, all below a pendent lotus lappet decorated in champlevé enamels collaring the shoulder, the rim bordered with a key-fret band, the handles decorated with floral scrolls, the gilt cover cast in openwork with three bats soaring with outstretched wings amidst ruyi-shaped clouds and beneath three further ruyi-shaped panels decorated in cloisonné enamels, all surmounted by a gilt border of lotus petal lappets encircling a tapering globular openwork finial cast with a sinuous dragon amidst cloud swirls

A private United Kingdom collection.

Apart from some characteristic burst bubbles and crackles to the enamels of both the burner and the cover, there are some losses to the enamels of the left cabriole leg (partially visible in the catalogue illustration), and the enamels on the front leg have been stabilised. The incense burner is slightly warped and leans to the side of the left leg, the tip of which has been slightly dented. There are also some other minor dents, typical tarnishing to the metal and expected wear to the gilding. The actual colours of the enamels are brighter than that of the catalogue illustration.
"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."