A CANTON ENAMEL WARMER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of large square section, the curved sides resting on a tall splayed base, set with hinged handles and a central brazier for holding live coals, deftly decorated on each side with a barbed cartouche depicting various flowers and birds or figural scenes, reserved on a yellow ground of scrolling lotus within key-fret borders, the base similarly decorated with four lobed floral panels, except for one left open to access the underside of the heating device, each flanked by roundels of kui dragons and reserved on a pale blue ground painted with black foliage, the cover centred with a large circular aperture, similarly decorated with coiled archaistic dragons on a yellow foliate ground, and further set with two arched lugs, the interior enamelled with carps and pondweeds, the white base centred with a phoenix roundel in pale blue, wood stand

Christie’s New York, 17^th September 2008, lot 204.

Theree are some old repainted areas, predominantly at one corner of the warmer, approx. 5 cm. There is some light retouching or wear commensurated with age to the enamels to small patches on the exterior and to the corners on the interior, but the overall the warmer is in good 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. 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."

Warmers of this type, but lacking the cover, include one sold in our London rooms, 31^st October 1986, lot 345; another sold in our New York rooms, 3^rd June 1979, lot 157; and a third, from the estate of Eugene O. Perkins, sold at Christie’s New York, 30^th May 1991, lot 57.

The immediate attractiveness of this piece lies in the bright palette which depicts colourful figural scenes that are delicately framed and juxtaposed against intricately rendered flower scrolls. Wares such as the present piece were produced by skilled Guangzhou artists who were trained by Jesuit missionaries who introduced the technique of enamelling on metal to China.