A RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE BIRD CAGE MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY AND LATER |

the tall domed cage composed of evenly spaced vertical gilt-bronze ribs, surmounted by a spherical finial, joined to a waisted circular base brightly enameled with two bands of continuous lotus scroll and a narrow border of florets around the exterior, the interior base with further lotus scroll arranged around a later-added gilt-metal perch supporting a turquoise-ground cloisonné enamel bird-form censer, with its head turned and colorful wings forming the cover, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century, all raised on a gilt-bronze support with four stepped feet

Property of Sidney T. Cook (1910-1964), and thence by descent.

The base comprised four Ming dynasty sections, and overall with some losses, pitting, wear, and infill to the enamels. The bird-form censer and cover in overall good condition with appropriate wear. The cage in overall good condition with some surface wear.
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.

Bird cages in cloisonné enamel are rare. See an 18th century cage illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989, cat. no. 329.  Another example with a cloisonné bird on a perch inside the cage, from the Juan Jose Amezaga Collection, was sold at Christie's Paris, 13th June 2007, lot 38.  A related but later example of a rectangular form, was sold at Christie's New York, 30th March 2005, lot 155.