AN EXTREMELY RARE GOLD FILIGREE 'PHOENIX' FINIAL FOR AN IMPERIAL CONCUBINE COURT HAT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

the brilliant and intricately worked gold wires forming a multi-tier ornament of two phoenix stacked over a domed base along a vertical axis, the base with eight pendent lobes each with a ruyi-form edge and one of the 'Eight Buddhist Emblems' applied to the surface, surmounted by an openwork gold orb set with four pearls, a phoenix perched atop, its feathers, eyes, beak, and crest minutely detailed and with medium and small pearls secured to the crest, chest, wings, and five long tail feathers, surmounted by a large pearl on its back, a second phoenix of the same design perched atop the large pearl and surmounted by a further large pearl, a teardrop-shaped smoky hardstone crowning the finial at its peak

Collection of Joseph (1919-2008) and Ruth Sataloff.
Gifted to the Portland Museum of Art, Maine, in 1994 (acc. no. 1994.39.4).

Worshiping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits, Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 2001, cat. no. 5.15.

The finial is in general good condition. Two of the gold filigree long tail feathers of the upper phoenix have been reattached. Possible replacement to at least one of the pearls and some with traces of glue. Some elements are slightly loose, and several extremities are slightly bent, as can be expected.
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.