A MASSIVE IMPERIAL CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

comprising four sections: the compressed globular body brightly decorated with lotus strapwork beneath a widely flaring rim encircled with nine ruyi panels enclosing flowers issuing from rockwork and  reserved on an archaistic dragon strapwork ground, all supported on three large gilt-bronze elephant-head legs, each caparisoned with elaborate enamelled and beaded garlands and divided by a rectangular apron with archaistic dragon strapwork and polychrome enamel fringe, the lower of the two graduated central sections with nine pierced gilt-bronze rectangular panels enclosing the wu fu  amidst cloud scrolls and within enamel archaistic dragon bands, each divided by a similarly decorated column surmounted by a seated gilt-bronze lion, the upper section with nine quatre-foil panels enclosing archaistic taotie mask strapwork reserved on a pierced gilt-bronze ground of bats in flight amidst cloud scrolls, the domed cover with three large ruyi panels enclosing floral strapwork reserved on a similarly decorated gilt-bronze ground and surmounted by a large pierced gilt-bronze finial encircled by a long scaly dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl, carved wood stand

The brazier is in very good overall condition with the exception of the replacement of two ears on one elephant-head leg, light rubbing to the gilding at the rims and predominantly on the elephant head legs, characateristic overall pitting and enamel shrinkage, a slight warp to the rim of the body, old re-touching to a circa 3 x 4cm., section of enamel at one corner of an apron, and minor chips and losses to the extremities of the wood stand.
"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."