A RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL BIRDCAGE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the domed cage framed by five horizontal ribs fitted with evenly spaced vertical gilt-bronze wires radiating down from a small central cloisonné wheel at the top of the cage, surmounted by a spherical finial and cluster of florets, one side of the cage set with a small opening fitted with a hinged openwork oval door containing a pair of parrots on a lush floral and vine ground and set with a gilded ruyi-head latch, all joined to the shallow circular base brightly enamelled with a continuous lotus scroll around the exterior, the interior base with six large red, yellow and blue lotus flower heads borne on a continuous undulating green foliate scroll,  arranged around a white floret with radiating petals centred around a hole for the perch (now missing), the underside similarly decorated, all supported on four stepped feet with further lotus

This lot also includes a wooden and cloisonne stand measuring approximately 130cm x 40cm x 40cm. The birdcage is in good condition with the wires structurally intact. The side of the cloisonne dish has a 9 cm long scratch, resulting in loss of enamel and exposure of the cloisons; this loss is also visible from the interior. The three stretchers at the base of the wood stand have experienced some loss to the enamel and gilding, particularly at the center of each piece.
"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."

A similar cage with the same kind of pierced door is illustrated in H. Brinker and A. Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, Asia Society Galleries , New York, 1989, no. 329.  Another example with a cloisonné bird on a perch inside the cage, from the Juan Jose Amezaga Collection, was sold at Christie's Paris, 13th June 2007, lot 38.  A related but later example of a rectangular cage with turrets, was sold at Christie's New York, 30th March 2005, lot 155.