清乾隆 廣東銅胎畫琺瑯黃地纏枝番蓮紋朝天耳三足薰爐 《乾隆年製》款

of globular form supported on three cylindrical feet issuing from champlevé blue and gilt lion masks, decorated around the exterior on the yellow ground with multicoloured lotus wreathed in scrolling foliage, below blue-ground ruyi and raised gilt-bronze petal panels around the shoulder, the domed cover similarly decorated with lotus, and three gilt-bronze lobed panels reticulated with archaistic dragons encircling a dragon finial, the base inscribed in blue enamel with a four-character mark within a double square further encircled by pink chilong and stiff leaves

The censer is generally in good condition. The gilt knob appears to have been detached and re-affixed and may possibly be a replacement (although stylistically consistent with the object). There are some cracks in the white ground at the joint to underside of the knob which have been stabilized. There are further stabilisation and overpaint on the interior waisted neck of the censer. There is also some expected occasional minor enamel flakes with minor retouching or some soiling on the surface as visible on the photo but generally the censer is in very good presentation state.
"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."

通觀本品，莊重沉穩，工法細緻，著色精純，廣作琺瑯之代表，清宮御貢之上品。康熙二十三年，西洋琺瑯自廣州傳入中國，寥僅數年，廣東匠師深通此技，康熙五十五年，上降諭詔，選兩名廣籍匠師奉命進京，入清宮琺瑯作供事。至乾隆一朝，銅胎畫琺瑯之品，深為高宗鍾愛，不惜工本，著力製之，技臻致精。

本品甚罕，類者見掐絲琺瑯器，參考一乾隆例，署乾隆年款，售紐約佳士得2008年9月17日，編號190。