A PAIR OF LATER-MOUNTED 'DEHUA' 'CRANES' CANDLESTICKS QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY AND LATER

originally conceived as joss stick holders, each in the form of a crane standing beside a tree trunk, with lingzhi fungus and prunus blossoms growing beside, with later-added French gilt-bronze branches set with porcelain flowers, 18th / 19th century, later painted wood stands (2)

Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., New York, 1944. 

Left hand crane (in catalog photo) - the base has been broken into several pieces and restored back together. There are cracks running down the side of the tree trunk from top to bottom on both sides and a small repair a the top edge of the stump. The crane has been broken off through the top of his legs and the back where he joins the stump, and reattached. There is a chip to the end of his beak. Right hand crane - there are numerous old cracks to the stump and the base and the body of the crane, as well as through the top of the legs.The body of the crane and the upper part of the stump appear to have been broken apart and restuck. Small chip to end of beak. Both stumps are likely reduced in height to allow for the fitting of the mount. Both ormolu branches have losses to the leaves and extensive wear to the gilding. There are typical chips and losses to all eight applied porcelain flowers.
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.