A PAIR OF LARGE CLOISONNE TRIPOD CENSERS QIANLONG MARKS AND PERIOD |

each with a globular body set on three stout cabriole legs and surmounted by a short cylindrical neck and a wider upright mouth, the shoulder affixed with a pair of tall S-curved handles, the entirety covered in continuous polychrome lotus and chrysanthemum scrolls against a turquoise ground, the coiling vines issuing spirals of new growth in bright alternating colors, the dense pattern interrupted only by six foliate-rimmed navy-ground 'scrolling lotus' medallions evenly spaced around the body and a large chrysanthemum blossom at the underside of the belly, gilt bands at the feet and the edges of each segment, a six-character reign mark incised at the rim, one censer with a metal liner (3)

American Private Collection, acquired in the 1950s-60s (by repute).

The enamels bright and the structure solid. One censer with a downward compression from the shoulder, causing a lean. The gilding with wear throughout. The interior surface cleaned and with traces of a later gilding, mostly removed. Cloisonne enamels with pitting, wear, flaking, and scattered patches of in-fill. The handles and legs all in overall good condition but slightly loosened and the bolts possibly replaced, oxidized. A few cloison wires lifting on the shoulder above one handle. Each neck once detached, reinforced from the interior with metal brackets; one neck reattached off center. One gilt metal liner retained; it has dents, wear, and oxidation.
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.

The present lavishly decorated pair of censers exemplify the high level of artistic and technical achievement of cloisonné enamel craftsmanship during the Qianlong period (r. 1736-1795). Cloisonné enamel censers of this type were likely used to furnish the temples located within the imperial compound. Compare a censer with cover, but with a more globular body and decorated with geometric kuilong and floral scrolls, from the Alfred Morrison Collection and Fonthill Heirlooms, sold at Christie’s London, 18th October 1971, lot 110, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st December 2010, lot 3032; one decorated with floral scrolls, illustrated in Sir Harry Garner, Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels, London, 1962, pl. 70; another enameled with archaistic motifs, sold at Christie’s New York, 26th March 2010, lot 1183; and a smaller censer decorated with an interlacing lotus design, illustrated as part of a five-piece altar set, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels. 3. Cloisonne in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Beijing, 2011, pl. 6.