A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE MINISTERS OF THE TREASURY QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each modelled as the 'Minister of the Treasury' of the qizhengbao or qizhen ('Seven Royal Treasures'), depicted seated in sukhsana on a voluminous pile of garment detailed with cloud scrolls, the figure portrayed extending his elbows outward and holding a flaming motif in his right hand, the left hand held in vitarkamudra, the serene countenance picked out with rosy cheeks and pursed lips, framed by long pendulous earlobes and a five-leaf habit with a pair of long billowing yellow ribbons, dressed in loose pale turquoise robes flaring upward near the elbows, further adorned with a gilt-decorated iron-red scarf prominently billowing over the shoulders and fluttering outward near the base, the base pierced with three (one infilled) apertures

The figures were initially modelled as emblems for altar ornaments but the stands are now missing. The tenons at the base of both figure are now cut down. For the left figure, the little finger of the left hand has been restored and the right yellow ribbon appears to have been stabilised. The enamels of the pair have been generally well preserved with only occasional areas of wear and nicks, some of which have been skillfully retouched. There is also an original firing line to the unglazed base of the right figure.
"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."

Intricately modelled as emblems for altar ornaments raised on stands, the present pair of Ministers of the Treasury represents one of the Seven Royal Treasures (qizhengbao or qizhen). For a detailed discussion of the Seven Royal Treasures, see a pair of famille-rose ‘flaming pearl’ altar ornaments to be offered in this sale, lot 106.