A TURQUOISE-GROUND FAMILLE-ROSE PERFUMIER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the spherical body supported on a narrow concave base and pierced on top with a circular aperture fitted with a porcelain plug, further reticulated around the sides with four evenly spaced gilt-rimmed medallions, each containing two confronted bats in puce enamel, and further divided by double-lotus wreathed in scrolling foliage above single blossoms interlinked around the base, all painted in multi-coloured enamels against a bright turquoise ground, the base decorated with radiating petal lappets and the aperture on top encircled by yellow-ground ruyi, the base with a possibly later inset underglaze blue six-character reign mark

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 866.

The base has been polished down and the mark is possibly later inset. There is some expected wear to the enamels immediatly surrounding the top aperture and rubbing to the gilt border. There is an old restoration to one of the two pegs set on the interior rim of the cover (allowing to secure it to the perfumier). The enamels and turquoise ground on the cover are somewhat different than those on the perfumier indicating that it may be a later Qing dynasty replacement. Apart from this the perfumier is in overall very good condition with well preserved enamels.
"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."

Qianlong mark and period perfumiers of this type are rare; see an unmarked example from the Sir Percival David collection and now in the British Museum, London, published in Lady Sheila David, Illustrated Catalogue of Ch’ing Enamelled Wares, section 2, London, 1958, pl. VI, fig. 841; another sold in these rooms, 16th May 1989, lot 307; and a third example from the collection of Winston Guest, sold twice in our New York rooms, 2nd December 1967, lot 9, and again, 10th April 1974, lot 188.

Spherical pierced perfumiers of this type are modelled after small reticulated metal prototypes of the Tang dynasty which were also often decorated with delicate scrolls; see one in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, included in the China Institute in America exhibition Early Chinese Gold and Silver, China House Gallery, New York, 1971, cat. no. 41; and two from the Carl Kempe collection, sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2008, lots 56 and 57.