AN EXCEPTIONAL AND EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF IMPERIAL CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE FIGURES OF TAPIRS MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

each outstandingly cast in the form of a tapir dynamically standing foursquare on its gilt-bronze hooves, the beast rendered with muscular contours and a tapering tail tucked between its haunches, the head brilliantly rendered with alert eyes below a pair of upright ears, each defined with a concave centre, the rounded and prominent snout depicted agape and revealing its teeth, the neck collared with a gilt-bronze band finely adorned with a classical scroll, the back of the hollow figure with a teardrop-shaped hinged aperture framing a four-character reign mark within a square, all superbly decorated with a glistening speckled bluish-green enamel against fine wires delicately forming flame scroll motifs all over the muscular body of the beast

The tapirs are in very good condition with just minute surface wear and insignificant rubbing to the 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. 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."