清十八 / 十九世紀早期 銅鎏金掐絲斬胎琺瑯嵌寶七政寶供器四件

each fashioned as a lotus blossom inlaid with simulated rose quartz, supported on a stem fitted with shou-medallions and curling leaves, rising from a field of waves enclosed by a balustrade on a waisted circular stand, the first surmounted by a flaming wheel, the second by a standing figure of a minister, the third by the three jewels, and the fourth by an elephant (4)

Christie's South Kensingston, London, 30th September 1999, lot 89.

All pieces have missing, broken and replaced inlay on the lotus blossoms, the balustrades around the base are loose, and have the expected pitting and age related wear and cracks. On the piece with the wheel, one leaf is loose. There is a manufacturing flaw at the tip of the top flame around the wheel. On the piece with the minister, the attribute held is missing. One leaf is loose, one leaf is missing and one leaf is chipped. One shou medallion is also loose. On the piece with the elephant, there are chips and losses to the enamels on the elephant. The shou medallions and three leaves are loose. One medallion is chipped and cracked. One leaf is missing and two are chipped and cracked. One the piece with the jewels, the shou medallions are loose, two leaves are loose and have chips, one with a break.
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.

The wheel is the greatest possession of the chakravartin, and is one of the oldest symbols in Buddhism. When Buddha delivered his first sermon, he is said to have set the dharma wheel, dharmachakra, in motion. The wheel itself represents the idea of birth and rebirth being an endless cycle.  To the ruler, the Buddhist wheel symbolizes truth.

The minister symbolizes good council, aiding the ruler in the execution of his orders.

The three jewels represent the Buddha, Sangha and Buddhist doctrine, whose light illuminates the mind of the ruler, so that he can perceive the world and the manifold connections between events with crystal clarity.

The elephant symbolizes strength, steadfastness, and fearlessness. In battle he is inexhaustable and perseveres till he is victorious.

For an 18th century example of a set of Eight Auspicious Emblems, where the wheel is depicted in a similar fashion as the one in the present lot, see Monarchy and Its Buddhist Way, Tibetan-Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, no. 81.  Two offering pieces, possibly from the same set, and dated to the Qianlong period, were sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2006, lot 1300.