A LARGE SANCAI-GLAZED 'IMMORTALS' CENSER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

of bombé form supported on a splayed foot, the rounded sides applied in high relief with the Eight Immortals each holding an identifying attribute, the figures all against a splashed-sancai ground vigorously carved simulating rockwork and set with a pair of yellow-enameled lion-mask handles to either side, the remainder of the vessel covered with a bright green glaze, the neck incised with a scrolling meander, the figures liberally applied with enamels of yellow, green and aubergine pooling dramatically in the recesses, the base unglazed revealing the pale buff-colored body, coll. no. 1601

Christie's Paris, 19th November 2003, lot 264. 

The censer is in good overall condition with only minor losses and restoration to some extremities such as some tips of feet and hems of robes.
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.

The present censer is an unusually large and splendid example of type. Smaller censers, featuring the same textured surface, applied figures and liberal application of green, yellow and aubergine translucent enamels include an aubergine-ground example from the Falk Collection sold at Christie's New York, 16th October 2001, lot 151; and another, from the Goldschmidt Collection, exhibited and illustrated in Exhibition of Chinese Art, Akademie der Kunste, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 695. See also another of this type, formerly in the Eumorfopoulos Collection, now in the British Museum, London, acc. no. 1937,0716.102.