Lot 65. A large imperial gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel 'dragon' parfumier, 19th century; 110cm (43 1/2in) high. Estimate HK$230,000 - 300,000. Sold for HK$ 562,500 (€ 66,974). Photo: Bonhams.

The tall pierced cylindrical mid-section decorated in relief with a gilt five-clawed dragon on a ground of swirling dark blue clouds, its long scaly body coiled upwards in chase of a flaming pearl, the domed cover modelled in the form of a yellow tiled roof surmounted by a band of ruyi-heads and a rounded knop issuing from a lotus bloom, all on a waisted gilt-bronze base encircled with a balustrade and raised on five ruyi-head feet. 

Note: Examples of such towering incense holders with dragons, a symbol of the emperor, can be found in spacious halls and throne rooms of the imperial palaces, such as in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, 太和殿 Taihedian, Palace of Heavenly Purity, 乾清宮 Qianqinggong and Palace of Concentrated Beauty, 儲秀宮 Chuxiugong. These vessels were therefore an integral part of the furnishings flanking the emperor's seat of power and authority.

Compare a similar pair of cloisonné enamel incense holders with coiling dragons in relief, mid-Qing dynasty, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Enamels 4, Beijing, 2011, pl.128; another related cloisonné enamel incense holder with dragon decoration, Qianlong, is illustrated in The Prime Cultural Relics Collected by Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum. The Enamel Volume, Shenyang, 2007, p.86, no.1. See also another related pair, Qianlong, illustrated in Colorful, Elegant and Exquisite. A Special Exhibition of Imperial Enamel Ware from Mr. Robert Chang's Collection, Suzhou, 2007, pp.62-63.

See a related large imperial gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel parfumier, 18th century, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2012, lot 4122.

Bonhams. Imperial Splendour, 3 Dec 2015, Hong Kong, Admiralty