清雍正 鬪彩纏枝茶花紋燭臺一對 《大清雍正年製》款

each with a slender cylindrical stem encircled by two bands of camellia blossoms with feathery leaves, supported on a stepped section with a square scroll all above a domed base with long slightly twisting lappets, the upper section with a wide pan with inturned rim, all decorated in soft pastel shades of enamels and underglaze-blue outlines, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double-circle

S. Marchant & Son，倫敦
倫敦蘇富比1997年6月10日，編號94

《Imperial Porcelain of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong》，S. Marchant & Son，倫敦，1996年，編號28

Both of the candlesticks are in very good condition with only some minor firing imperfections, including a short firing line to the interior of one, as well as some burst air bubbles and minute kiln grits. The enamels have been well preserved with only some typical wear and minor losses.
"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."

Finely painted in the soft-toned doucai enamels, this pair of candlesticks is extremely rare for its unusual form and decoration. Candlesticks of this type would have been produced as part of imperial altar garnitures and used during ritual ceremonies. The form of these candlesticks appears to derive from bronze bell-shaped candlesticks, which grew in popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and by the Qing dynasty were produced in a variety of materials. Notably, the bands of decoration encircling them appear to combine a variety of influences which reveals the cosmopolitan nature of the empire of the time: the foliate scroll on the outer rim of the pan and the leaves emerging from the lotus flowers on the stem are similar to European acanthus leaves, the fiery-red petals on the base of the stem and the lappet base are reminiscent of Tibetan designs, while the lotus is traditional flower from Chinese imagery. Individual examples were sold at Bonhams London, 8th November 2004, lot 163; and at Bonhams San Francisco, 20th December 2011, lot 8334.