RARE BRÛLE-PARFUM ET SOCLE EN BRONZE DORÉ ET ÉMAUX CLOISONNÉS, LUDUAN DYNASTIE QING, ÉPOQUE QIANLONG |

l'animal fabuleux trapu se tenant droit sur ses quatre pattes tendues, la gueule ouverte à l'expression féroce montrant des crocs acérés, flanquée de deux oreilles coniques, la crinière retombant, la queue courbée surmontée d'une tête de ruyi, le corps décoré sur fond bleu foncé de rinceaux chargés de fleurs multicolores et de flammes stylisées jaillissant de la gueule et des pattes en de petites mèches ondoyantes, reposant sur un double socle lotiforme rectangulaire couvert d'un drap à motifs de fleurettes dans des hexagones aux angles retombant sur chaque côté de la base, la bande centrale cintrée appliquée de motifs floraux en relief, le couvercle manquant (2)

The censer is brightly enamelled. The 4 screws securing the four feet of the luduan to the stand are missing. The cover is missing. There is overall pitting to the enamels. There are losses to the enamels, some restored, to the nose, around the mouth, to the sides, around the tail, of the beast and around the holes, to the edges and the sides of the base. The gilding is slightly worn, especially to the stand where the top is slightly uneven.
"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."

Large and impressive censers in the shape of auspicious animals such as this luduan were placed as pairs on each side of the imperial throne to protect and to highlight the ruler's elevated position. They formed part of a set of imperial court assemblages commonly known as 'the throne group' and could include pairs of elephants or cranes, as well as a pair of vertical censers which were all usually positioned flanking the throne. For examples, see Classics of the Forbidden City. Imperial Furniture of Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing, 2008, pp. 330-335. It is rare to find cloisonné luduan censers decorated with a floral design. Compare an example of the same size and design, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, cat. no. 28. A pair of very similar luduan censers in situ in the Yongshou Gong (Palace of Eternal Longevity), one of the Six Western Palaces in the Forbidden City and residence of Imperial consorts, is published in Classics of the Forbidden City. Imperial Furniture of Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing, 2008, pl. 367 (Fig. 1 Caption Classics of the Forbidden City. Imperial Furniture of Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing, 2008, pl. 367).