A RARE PAIR OF BEIJING ENAMEL INCENSE HOLDERS YONGZHENG MARKS AND PERIOD

each of shallow foliate form with gilt-rimmed petals radiating from the narrow upright neck forming an everted rim, each petal delicately enameled in soft tones of rose, blue and pale green with alternating lotus blooms borne on upright foliate stems springing from the footring, all reserved on a bright yellow ground, the interior enameled pale turquoise and centered with a cylindrical socket, the underside white with a four-character mark in blue enamel within a double square (2)

Collection of Ms. Elizabeth Halsey Dock.
Sotheby's New York, 1st and 2nd June 1993, lot 117.

One of the stands has a 5mm restoration to the upper left corner of the "zhi" character on the reign mark. The other stand has a minute 2mm area of restoration to the enamel on the edge of the foliate rim. The gilding is slightly rubbed, particularly on the foot and on the edge of the foliate rim. There are some scratches to the enamel. In good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar example made in the Beijing Palace Workshops is illustrated in Hugh Moss, By Imperial Command - An Introduction to Ch'ing Imperial Painted Enamels, Hong Kong, 1976, pl. 17. According to Hugh Moss, enameled metal ware from the Yongzheng period is rare due to the emperor's favoritism for porcelain.