A CLOISONNE 'BAJIXIANG' BOWL AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

of globular form, the rounded sides enameled in polychrome with the 'Eight Buddhist Emblems' amid stylized lotus blooms borne on scrolling, leafy stems below a ruyi-head band encircling the rim, all against a turquoise-enamel ground, a lively pair of gilt catfish-form handles set to either side joined to the vessel by outstretched fins, their rounded heads with distinctive barbels peaking at the rim, the domed cover enameled with further lotus scroll surmounted by a large reticulated gilt-metal spherical knop with flowering lotus above a radiating lappet base, the gilt base plate with an apocryphal Jingtai mark (2)

Collection of Edward Kennedy Torrington (1918-2005).
Christie's New York, 2nd December 1989, lot 59.

There are scattered small enamel losses which have been infilled with wax, including all around the finial and where the handles are secured. The lining of the bowl has a dent and the pins securing it have been moved and replaced. There has been some re-gilding, particularly to the interior.
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.

A jar and cover nearly identical to the present example is in the Palace Museum, Beijing and illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Buddha's Light in the Forbidden City, Select Buddhist Art Collection of the Palace Museum, Gaoxiong, Taiwan, 2016, pp. 90-91. Another very closely related example with slightly different catfish-form handles and a reticulated cover was sold in these rooms 24th-25th January 1975, lot 257.