A RARE TIBETAN-STYLE ZITAN AND GILT-BRONZE EWER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

of square section, rising to a lobed rim evocative of a 'monk's cap', the exterior divided into three main registers by two gilt-bronze bands delicately detailed with floral motifs, each register finely carved with dense archaistic motifs of kui dragons amid angular scrollwork, one side set with a gilt-bronze curving spout issuing from an incised monster mask, the opposite with two gilt-bronze floral roundels suspending a loose ring, all between two further gilt-bronze bands bordering the rim and base, the slightly domed cover similarly decorated and surmounted with a coral finial

The ewer is in good overall condition. There are minor areas of consolidation along edges and expected wear to the surface overall with tiny nicks along edges. The cover with a filled repair to a split. The gilt metal mounts with expected 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.

This ewer is a rare and unusual interpretation of the Tibetan ritual vessel, duomu. Made of highly prized zitan, it has transformed the cylindrical vessel into an archaistic version of square section. Such adaptations of traditional objects reflect the style of the Qianlong Emperor, who had a penchant for novelty. Elegantly designed vessels of this type would have enjoyed a place of prestige in Buddhist ceremonies at court during his reign.  The Qianlong Emperor’s devotion to Tibetan Buddhism directed the production of many sophisticated ritual implements. The form of the present ewer originates from a Tibetan wood and metal vessel which was used to store butter and for making traditional buttered tea for religious ceremonies. This humble prototype was transformed into a splendid ceremonial vessel under the Qianlong Emperor, but manufactured using the highest quality materials and techniques of the time; for example see an exceptional gold-bodied duomu decorated with cloisonné and Beijing enamels, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2006, cat. no. 54, and sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 11th April 2008, lot 2842; and a famille-rose decorated porcelain version in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelains with Cloisonné Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration. Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 98. A shorter ewer with two registers, made from gilded-copper, in the Tibet Museum, was included in the exhibition Treasures from Snow Mountains. Gems of Tibetan Cultural Relics, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2001, cat. no. 105, together with a gilded silver example, cat. no. 106.