清乾隆 銅胎掐絲琺瑯鳳凰獻壽紋宮燈一對

each of lozenge form, the open frame decorated with archaistic kui dragons, set with four rectangular glass panels, the bevelled shoulders and foot similarly decorated with stylised lotus sprays and further kui dragon bands, the gilt-bronze rim and foot encircled by keyfret borders, all behind a pair of well-modelled phoenix standing on ornamental rocky ledges, each phoenix grasping a sprig of lingzhi in its beak, one bird with head turned sharply to its back while the other lowers and turns its head, their gilt-bronze heads finely detailed with elaborate feathers around the neck, brightly enamelled with plumage, all supported on a gilt-bronze plate above a carved wood pedestal

Both lanterns in very good general condition. The glass panels are later replacements and the wood stands likely later also. Both with characteristic pitting to the enamels with smaller areas of loss. The left hand lantern in the catalogue image with an old bronze repair to reverse of the right hand phoenix's head, with two areas of losses to enamels to the tail. The left phoenix with further enamel losses to the tail and one of the wings. The right hand lantern with losses and wax infill to the tail and wings of the right hand phoenix, and losses to enamels of left hand phoenix. All of the birds most likely re-affixed to their rocky stands, with three of the four slightly loose. Minor wear to gilded surfaces.
"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."

本品形飾獨特，別樹一幟，盡顯乾隆藝匠巧思靈感，造詣驕人。藝匠巧用宮燈由內而外之光源，燈身飾鳳凰獻壽吉祥塑象，造型突出，形態華麗，燈光沿凰形投影照耀，與燈身鎏金銅飾互相輝映，更顯非凡氣派。

銅胎掐絲琺瑯宮燈多為長方或正方形狀，燈身鮮見複雜紋飾；有一對方形宮燈作例，售於香港蘇富比2009年10月8日，編號1738。一例售於倫敦蘇富比1983年10月28日，編號51；另兩例先後售於紐約佳士得，分別為2011年3月24日，編號1617及2013年9月20日，編號1633。

銅胎掐絲琺瑯鳳凰甚為罕見，珍貴難得；紐約蘇富比於2008年3月18日曾出售一對燭臺作例，編號245；另見一仿古鳳凰紋尊，售於香港佳士得2008年5月27，編號1553。鳳凰為百鳥之首，現身於太平盛世，象徵祥瑞，亦為皇后之代表。鳳紋多用於銅胎掐絲琺瑯器，作鎏金銅壺耳；一例曾售於香港蘇富比1879年11月29日，編號395；另一例售於倫敦蘇富比1977年6月21日，編號203；尚有一例為鳳耳三足爐，售於倫敦佳士得1987年3月23日。