A PAIR OF RETICULATED STAINED IVORY 'DOUBLE-GOURD' INCENSE BURNERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each intricately carved with two reticulated sections fitting together to form a double-gourd, one decorated in openwork of green and blue-stained key frets, red bats and kui dragons, the other one of key frets and bats, the stalk of the fruit set on top loosely entwined in the body forming a removable cover, opening to reveal a miniature chain suspending to the stained one two small intertwined monkeys and a sixth bat on top of a peach and on the other one two smaller double-gourds, one of which is green-stained, and a basket, one with a shou character carved to the base, both fitted on an ivory stand carved in openwork with a swirling stem with ruyi and two corollas

There are minor breaks and losses to the base, especially the underside. Vases in good condition. Typical age cracks throughout, as visible in the catalogue photo.
"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."

Exquisitely carved in the form of a double gourd, similar incense burners modelled with chains suspending miniature carvings include two in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo. Wood. Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carving, Shanghai, 2001, pls. 174 and 175, together with a larger example, pl. 177; another in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 283; and a further example sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 1887.