A Fine Rare And Large Cloisonne Enamel Tripod Censer. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

the slightly compressed globular body with waisted neck and everted rim, decorated around the exterior with quatrefoil panels enclosing stylised dragons and all reserved on a lotus strapwork ground, set at the shoulder with a large pair of gilt ruyi handles, all supported on three tall gilt stylised dragon legs, the domed cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a large pierced gilt finial . 40cm., 15 3/4 in. Estimate 50,000—70,000 GBP

NOTE: The present censer represents the extravagant and flamboyant taste of the Qianlong emperor who had a penchant for the unusual and luxuriant. The form is derived from ancient bronze ding of the Shang and Zhou periods which were ritual food containers. However, this model has been transformed into a censer and is fitted with an elaborate cover, handles in the form of ruyi and legs shaped after dragons. It is a piece that displays the inventiveness of the cloisonne enamel artisan of the Qianlong period. Especially noteworthy are the handles which are rarely seen in this form. Handles on censers are generally of plain rectangular scroll form or on more lavish vessels in the shape of dragons.

A Qianlong period cloisonne enamel censer of related shape is illustrated in Sir Harry Garner, Chinese and Japanese Cloisonne Enamels, London, 1962, pl. 70. Garner, ibid., p. 92, mentions that the censer is one of a pair and is a fine example of the more ornate pieces made for the court. Another censer of this form, but the usual cabriole legs replaced by three long-legged cranes, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, was included in the exhibition China: The Three Emperors, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2006, cat. no. 304. See also two censers of this form and similar stylized dragon legs, but with scroll-form handles, sold in these rooms, 12th June 1990, lot 54, and 4th May 1984, lot 476.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com