AN IMPERIAL GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE KENDI INCISED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the globular body raised on a tall waisted pedestal foot and rising to a long slender neck flaring at the bulbous mouth, the body divided into sections by seven horizontal fillets, the shoulders set with the head of a dragon with a 'C'-shaped square-sectioned handle issuing from its mouth, opposite a curved upright spout extending up from the mouth of a mythical beast, the olive-green bronze surface randomly splashed with large patches of gold, with gold further liberally applied to the handle, spout and mouth, the underside incised with a four-character seal mark Qianlong nianzhi

Christie's Hong Kong, 29th April 2002, lot 700.

The kendi is in overall good condition with a small square repair to the cast on the base, probably original. There is also some light wear to the gilding in areas and a few minute dents or nicks to the surface, particularly on the rim and shoulder, all consistent with its type.
"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."

The present gilt-splashed bronze ewer is a fine example of the trend during the Qianlong Emperor's reign to produce vessels in imitation of antiques. Wares belonging to this exquisite group of bronzes were either faithfully rendered after ancient forms or made to evoke the past in their decoration. This ewer is after large vessels of related form that were used for serving wine at banquets. Its particularly attractive small size suggests that the vessel was possibly made for the personal use of the emperor. 

Ewers of related pear-shaped body, tall neck and curling handle are modelled after Middle Eastern ewers of the 7th century; for example, see a Mosul ewer made for Abu'l-Qasim Mahmud ibn Sanjar Shah illustrated in Islamic Metalwork. The Nuhad Es-Said Collection, London, 1999, pl. 6. Vessels of this type were brought to China via the trade routes between China and the Middle East and are a testament to the influence they had on Chinese artisans who established a link between Persian forms and Chinese decoration in their repertoire. These elegant ewers became a staple for Chinese potters and metalworkers and were made in various mediums including ceramics, bronzes and lacquer.

Qing ewers were also influenced by Ming dynasty examples; see a large gilt-copper ewer and cover sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 404; a gilt-bronze ewer sold at Christie's London, 16th December 1987, lot 300; and a long-necked ewer, from the Clague collection, included in the exhibition China's Renaissance in Bronze, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1993, cat. no. 26. Compare another Ming bronze ewer with a slender spout and without a handle, but with similar applied rings to the neck and body sold in our London rooms, 12th November 2003, lot 117.