A PAINTED BRONZE 'MANDARIN DUCKS' INCENSE BURNER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

well modelled as a pair of conjoined mandarin ducks rendered in archaistic style, the smaller one resting on webbed feet tucked under its body and turning its head towards its back, the other standing on one leg with wingtips upright, its folded wings cleverly fashioned as the cover, painted all over with traces of white, red, and green paint, with a hollow interior and an aperture in the beak of the smaller duck 

Acquired at the Hotel Drouot, Paris, 1990s.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is extensive flaking to the pigments. There is a hole connecting the larger and smaller ducks, possibly intentional for incense smoke. Bruising and chips to the extremities, and other surface wear.
"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."

It is rare to find an incense burner of duck form, and this example is particularly large, and skilfully modelled with a pair of conjoined mandarin ducks. For a related model of a duck in porcelain in the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelain with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration, Shanghai, 1999, p.172, no.153.