Lot 304. A blue and white tripod censer, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795); 11 3/8 in. (29 cm.) high, hongmu cover. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 20,000 (USD 19,575 - USD 26,100). Price realised GBP 93,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

The censer is decorated to each side with a front-facing five-clawed dragon flanked by two writhing dragons on a ground of lotus heads on scrolling foliage, below a band of pendant ruyi heads. The recessed neck, twin upright pierced handles and cabriole legs are similarly decorated with lotus heads on scrolling foliage. The rim and sides of the handles are embellished with classic S-scrolls.

Provenance: Collection of Dr. Friedrich Hirth (1845-1927), acquired in the late 19th-early 20th Century, and thence by descent to the present owner.

The current lot in situ at Dr. Friedrich Hirth’s house.

Dr. Friedrich Hirth studied Philosophy and Sinology in Germany and worked for the Custom Service in Canton, Amoy and Shanghai between 1870-1897. In 1902, he was appointed the first Professor of Chinese Studies at the newly-founded Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University, New York.