Lot 739
  • 739

A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL CANDLESTICKS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

Estimate
25,000 - 45,000 USD
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Description

  • cloisonne metalwork
each with the hollow bell-shaped base rising to a central bulb supporting a large circular dish tray, set to the center with a tall tapering cylindrical neck, surmounted by a small bulbous section below a smaller tray fitted with a metal pricket, decorated in brilliant enamels against a bright turquoise ground with the ribbon-tied 'Eight Auspicious Emblems', all amid stylized lotus blossoms borne on dense scrolling leafy stems, the rims with gilt keyfret bands (2)

Condition

Both candlesticks have early 20th century consolidation with later metal screws. There are some dents and nicks to the rim. The surface with age appropriate wear, scratches, pitting, and wax restoration to scattered areas of enamel loss.
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

Finely cast and brilliantly enameled, the technique, palette and ornamentation of the present candlesticks are distinctly Qing in style while the form is a clear reference to antiquity in accordance with the decorative trends of the Qianlong period. Such candlesticks would have comprised part of a five-piece altar garniture which would have been employed for religious or ritual ceremonies.

See a complete champlevé enamel set consisting of an incense burner, a pair of vases and a pair of candlesticks, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, pl. 155. See further a cloisonné enamel set from the collection of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah, New York, sold in these rooms, 15th March 2016, lot 128. Compare also a pair of champlevé enamel candlesticks of similar form, sold in our London rooms, 6th November 2013, lot 132.