Lot 543
  • 543

A FAMILLE-ROSE AND GILT-DECORATED TURQUOISE-GROUND 'LOTUS' JARDINIEREQIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD |

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Length 10 1/8  in., 25.7 cm
of rectangular form with canted corners, the deep straight sides raised on a short, tapered foot, brightly enameled around the exterior with stylized lotus blossoms issuing exuberant scrolling stems laden with flowers and peaches, the polychrome designs bordered with gilt outlines, all reserved on a turquoise ground, the rim with a band of gilt keyfret against an iron-red ground, the interior and base enameled turquoise, the base with a gilt six-character seal mark in a single line within a white rectangular cartouche

Provenance

Christie's New York, 6th May 1980, lot 117.
New York Private Collection.

Condition

The jardinière is in mostly good condition, aside from an approx. 2 x 4 cm section at one of the lower corners which has been repainted, and a few scattered small flakes to the enamel.
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

The present jardinière belongs to a group of vessels commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) in imitation of cloisonné enamel. The Qianlong Emperor was particularly fond of cloisonné work, which he revived on a grand scale after it fell out of favor under his predecessor, the Yongzheng Emperor (1722-1735). Cloisonné was imitated not only on enameled porcelain, as seen on the present jardinière, but even on enameled copper, where the 'cloisons' separating the enamels were replaced by finely painted golden lines.  See a pair of nearly identical jardinières from the Edward.T. Chow Collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 596. Compare also a pair of slightly smaller jardinières decorated with dragons confronting lotus, sold twice at Christie's, first in Hong Kong, 1st November 2004, lot 1150, and then in London, 13th May 2008, lot 251.