清十九世紀 白玉雙耳活環「少獅太獅」鈕蓋爐

of compressed globular form raised on three cabriole legs issuing from the heads of mythical beasts, flanked by a pair of horned-beast handles suspending loose rings, the domed cover surmounted by a knob carved in openwork in the form of a lion and cub with curly manes and bushy tails, the adult standing foursquare, its paw on a brocade ball with the youngster playing at its side, the glassy stone of an even white tone with subtle icy inclusions, carved wood stand

The censer and cover are in overall extremely good condition. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A related censer was sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2010, lot 2722; another was sold in our New York rooms, 18^th March 2008, lot 32; and a third example was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31^st May 2010, lot 2090. See also a censer illustrated in S. Howard Hansford, Jade. Essence of Hills and Streams, Johannesburg, 1969, p. 141, no. D33, sold at Christie’s London, 12^th May 2009, lot 69.

 

The two lions on the cover of this censer illustrate the pun taishi shaosi, expressing the wish that one and one’s descendants will achieve high rank.