A CLOISONNE ENAMEL TRIPOD CENSER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body supported on three cylindrical legs and rising to a waisted neck and everted rim surmounted by a pair of upright loop handles, the body richly decorated with three stylized taotie masks against a ground of flames and ruyi heads, below a band of pendent lappets around the shoulder, the neck encircled by angular kuilong, below a band of chased keyfrets at the rim, the handles enameled with florets, the legs decorated with lotus heads borne on undulating leafy foliate stems

European Private Collection (by repute).

There is restoration to the top of all 3 legs, one with a crack encircling the area where the leg meets the body, with associated infill to the enamels. There are characteristic pitting and flaking to the enamels with some areas of loss. There are scattered infill to the enamels, and wear to gilding.
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.

Compare three related 18th century tripod censers, one sold in our London rooms, 12th November 1974, lot 169; another sold in these rooms, 16th-17th March 1984, lot 99; the third sold at Christie's New York, 30th March 2005, lot 145.

For an early prototype, see three related examples in the Palace Museum collection, two attributed to the Yuan dynasty, and the other to the Wanli period, with three cabriole legs in the form of a mythical beast, all illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pls 5, 7, and 50.