An unusual cloisonné enamel and jade pagoda censer Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

the six-sided structure supported on a waisted base of conforming shape with a low pierced balustrade enclosing six slender incised gilt-bronze rods with a cloisonné enamel midsection, the central column secured with a reticulated spinach green jade wrapped with a pair of carved dragons on a dense cloud ground, set below a two-tiered sloping roof with craneheads clutching suspended bells on the corners of the roof, all below a tear-dropped shaped finial

Spink and Son, Ltd., London, 1979.
A Belgium Collection.

The Somerset House Art Treasures Exhibition, 1979, no. 028.

The overall condition is very good, with only a few minor replacements. The finial, the interior section between the two tiers of the roof, and a couple of the bells are replaced. Everything else appears to be original.
"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."

Cloisonné enamel censers of this type were placed near the throne to emit a pleasant sandalwood fragrance. See a pair also attributed to the Qianlong period with pierced cloisonne cylinders instead of jade, illustrated in Chuimei Ho and Bennet Bronson, Splendors of China's Forbidden City: The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, London, 2004, fig.34, p. 48. A rare pair of champleve enamel pagoda-form censers, also Qianlong period, with reticulated white jade plaques forming the central hexagonal structure, was sold in our London rooms, 1st July 1969, lot 29, then part of the C. Ruxton and Audrey B. Love Collection, later sold at Christie's New York, 20th October 2004, lot 451. The Love Collection also included a pair of cloisonne enamel pagoda incense burner holders, attributed to the Jiaqing period, sold at Christie's New York, 20th October 2004, lot 599.