A RARE FAMILLE-ROSE ALTAR ORNAMENT JIAQING SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

modeled as a 'flaming pearl' resting on an elaborate pedestal, the stylized emblem fashioned with a band of gilt-decorated iron red flaming wisps surrounding multi-colored lappets picked out with circular motifs, the pedestal elaborately decorated with bands of petals and foliate lappets, resting atop a multi-colored post flanked by foliate scrolls, all stemming from a beribboned vase supported on a rounded stepped foot, delicately rendered in registers with floral scrolls and petal lappets, the turquoise-enameled base centered with a six-character seal mark in iron red reserved in a square (2)

Christie's Paris, 15th December 2010, lot 124 (part lot).

In overall good condition with only minor enamel flakes, minor expected wear to the footring, and two small apertures to the vase from manufacturing. There is masking tape on the tang and base of the 'Flaming Pearl' ornament to prevent it from abrading the top of the enameled pedestal (note: the tape was not removed for inspection).
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.

Porcelain altar ornaments of this type are rare, although several Qianlong examples are known to have appeared at auction; for example, see two Qianlong altar ornaments sold in our London rooms, one representing the 'Wheel', 13th May 2009, lot 201, and the other the 'Elephant', 16th May 2007, lot 534; also a related pair consisting of the 'Elephant' and the 'Horse', was sold at Christie’s London, 8th June 2004, lot 437; a stand, lacking the top figure, sold in our London rooms, 6th June 1995, lot 257; and a pair, representing the 'Flaming Pearl', was offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th October 2016, lot 106.

A number of sets of the 'Seven Royal Treasures' are known in various materials. For example, see a dark green jade set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors 1662-1795, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 45; an enameled gilt-copper set also in the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition Buddhist Art from Rehol. Tibetan Buddhist Images and Ritual Objects from the Qing Dynasty Summer Palace at Chengde, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1999, cat. no. 69; and a number of sets in a range of materials, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, are included in A Special Exhibition of Buddhist Gilt Votive Objects, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1995, cat. nos 22-26.