清乾隆 闘彩纏枝蕃蓮紋燭臺 《大清乾隆年製》款

the bell-shaped base rising to a knobbed section supporting a dish tray with an everted rim, surmounted by a tapering columnar neck and a smaller tray on top, the exterior brightly enamelled with large stylised lotus blooms borne on meandering leafy stems, variously divided by ruyi, floral scroll and lappet bands, encircled at the rims and feet by a band of circles, keyfret and chevron borders, the front of the dish tray inscribed with a horizontal six-character seal mark within a double-rectangle

This brightly enamelled candlestick is in good condition with the exception of a small area of overpainting to the rim of the sconce, with two associated hairline cracks that extend down from the rim and around approximately half of the sconce, overpainting to a 7cm., wide section of the rim of the drip tray and minor glaze scratches,
"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."

此燭臺原為一組五件供器之一，供器包括一香爐、一對觚式瓶及一對燭臺。Herbert Kitchener 勛爵與 Thomas Beaumont 爵士收藏有一乾隆闘彩五供，帶類同紋飾，惟燭臺尺寸略小 ，曾兩度售於倫敦蘇富比，分别為1980年12月17日，編號677，及2011年5月11日，編號230。玫茵堂收藏成套五供作例，亦曾兩度售於香港蘇富比，先為1991年6月10日，編號196，後於2012年4月4日再度出售，編號50。

乾隆皇帝對明朝成化時期闘彩器喜愛有加，尤其欣賞其釉下青花與釉上彩的協調融合，雅麗絕倫。成化瓷器中以闘彩尤為精緻，乾隆皇帝視之為與古為徒之風雅器物。是類供器中之燭臺，多為承旨而製，反映乾隆皇帝對於堪稱瓷器瑰寶的成化闘彩之垂愛。