A MASSIVE CLOISONNE FINGER-CITRON CENSER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the enormous fruit decorated with a colourful floral ground of chrysanthemums, lotus, prunus, camellia, magnolia, cockcombs, cherries, grapes, loquats, finger citrons, and butterflies, all reserved on a turquoise ground, the sides wrapped with bronze branches fruiting bright yellow citrons, one forming the finial of the pierced cover, the other three forming the 'feet' of the vessel

The branches wrapping around the fruit are structured together from multiple sections, some of which are not fitted perfectly into one another resulting in one or two loose joins. There also appear to be approximately two missing sections, visible in the catalogue image on page 339. The cloisons have retained their gilding in some areas, while other sections have lost gilding. There is evidence of minor repainting, particularly to the green leaves in the 'fingers' areas. There are chips at the ends of the citron where it is most vulnerable to contact. Some burst pinpricks to the blue enamel at the top. Wear to the surface of four smaller yellow citrons. The colors are not as dark as the catalogue image suggests.
"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."

Massive cloisonné censers of fruit form are extremely rare although the present piece is closely comparable with a piece in the Zoubov collection in Geneva, illustrated in Catherine Bourlet, Collection Zoubov Genève, Geneva, 1979,  pp. 17-18 (figs.1 and 2).  A smaller version is in the Palace Museum, Beijing (fig.3). 

The finger citron (foshou) is also known as 'The Buddha's Hand' as it resembles the idealised lotiform fingers of the Buddha. Fo is a play on the words for blessings and riches (fu), while shou is a pun for longevity. When a finger citron appears with a peach and pomegranate, they form the sanduo ('Three Abundances'), meaning long life, blessings, and many sons.