清乾隆 掐絲琺瑯番蓮夔龍拐子紋雙層薰爐一對

each cast with a deep basin rising to a wide rim set, the rim finely enamelled with floral sections containing hydrangea and rocks, a lotus pond, and peonies and rocks, all against a ground of archaistic key-frets, all supported on three gilt cabriole legs in the form of caparisoned elephant heads, each head deftly cast with curved tusks and beaded ornaments, the main body comprising two detachable cylindrical chimneys, the upper register decorated with key-fret motifs in cloisonné enamels and three rectangular pierced and gilt panels enclosing scrolling lotus blooms, the lower section similarly decorated save for an additional three pierced panels of smaller sizes, the domed cover pierced and gilt with lotus scrolls below further scrolling lotus blooms detailed in cloisonné enamels, the rim with a pierced key-fret band, all surmounted by a gilt openwork dragon knop seated on a double-lotus pedestal

（傳）歐洲私人家族收藏

There is rubbing to the gilding at the peripheries of both incense burners and covers, especially on the undersides and edges of the feet. There is general surface wear, scratching and minor pinholes and losses to enamel on both. There are small patches of the darker blue enamel that have been slightly retouched. One of the feet has a tight gap between the blue-enamel collar and the gilt foot, possibly original, but probably the result of age contraction. The original fasteners attaching the feet via staples to the inner bodies are all still intact. Both have minor oxidisation to the interiors. There is other general surface wear and tiny enamel losses to the cover. The pierced open metalwork is slightly dented, and appears to have minor cracks which have been stabilized. Both incense burners appear to have been cleaned thoroughly, but the interiors retain patina from use.
"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."

銅胎掐絲琺瑯薰爐，具此碩大尺寸，且工藝精湛之品，極為罕見。僅觀其器，便可對中華藝史上之璀璨盛世窺見一斑。本品一對，可謂是乾隆一朝掐絲琺瑯至盛之典範，亦可謂是乾隆崇縟尚貴之體現。掐絲琺瑯器，莊重華美，玲麗奪目，深受高宗惜愛。正因如此，造辦處匠師投其所好，巧思妙想，推陳出新。

同類薰爐多為清宮舊藏，現仍可見於北京及瀋陽故宮各大殿內。參考一對作例，藏瀋陽故宮清寧宮，錄《瀋陽故宮博物院文物精品薈萃》，瀋陽，1991年，頁6（上），圖片攝於源地。此例與本品相類，筒形爐身，身下鎏金象首三足，象首頂戴配飾，珠光寶氣，璀璨輝煌。再見一對爐例，形制相當，唯於象首間妙垂華彩神幔，曾分售於倫敦蘇富比2009年5月13日，編號37及蒙特卡洛蘇富比1984年3月4日，編號234，出自放山居、Margadale of Islay 勛爵、阿爾弗雷特‧莫里及 Loch of Drylaw 勛爵舊藏。

另見一對同類薰爐，置北京故宮乾清宮寶座兩側，錄於《清代宮廷生活》，北京，1985年，頁56，圖版69，圖片攝於源地。此爐呈八方筒形，兩層分製，身下鎏金銅象首足。再見一對，T.B. Kitson、C. Ruxton 及 Audrey B. Love 舊藏，載於 Harry Garner 爵士，《Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamel》，倫敦，1962年，圖版72（其一），曾售於紐約佳士得2004年10月20日，編號354。亦可參考一略小爐例，鏤空透飾雲蝠紋，清宮舊藏，現存北京，錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：金屬胎琺瑯器》，香港，2002年，圖版149。同見一例，置坤寧宮龍鳳炕側，錄《故宮博物院展》，東京，1985年，頁47。

乾隆一朝，銅胎掐絲琺瑯大興，各類新巧式樣日益漸增。本品精作磅礴之器，時必為皇家陳設，亦兼作祭祀、御宴及儀式裝飾之用。其鎏金鏤空花飾，緻細繁縟，天工開物。若爐內燃香，不消幾時，香玉之氣便可滿沐殿堂。借其香觀其形，頓感古意，彷見上古鼎鬲傳世。

象首三足爐之形制亦可追源至明代爐具。參考一例，宣德款識，載於《故宮歷代香具圖錄》，國立故宮博物院，台北，1994年，圖版54。另見一景泰爐例，同藏台北故宮，錄《故宮琺瑯器選萃》，台北，1971年，圖版3。乾隆帝深奉佛教，常以佛爺自居。佛家歷來視寶象為聖瑞，以象首製爐，足見信士誠心。