A SET OF THIRTEEN CANTON ENAMEL IMITATION CLOISONNE GARNITURE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

comprising a large ding censer with cover, a pair of candlesticks, a pair of gu vase, three jue vessels, a pan, a single gu vase, a single candlestick, a shrine with a glass door, and a rectangular censer and cover, all similarly brightly decorated with the bajixiang and flowers against a turquoise blue ground, with details picked out in gilt imitating gilt cloison wires

Christie's London, 4th November, 1987, lot 602.
A&J Speelman, London.

The overall condition is quite good and the condition is typical and expected of this type of enamelling with light retouching to some characteristic losses. It is very rare to have a complete set of this type in such good condition. Ding and cover (1): Cover – Restoration on the knob and open work. Ding – Repaint to loss of enamel to three sections at rim. Candlesticks (2): Repaint to enamel loss to rim and retouch around foot to one. Some enamel loss to the underside of drip-pan. Candlestick (1): Repaint to 2.5cm base of the shaft attached to the drip-pan and 1.5 cm around the shaft. Gu vessels (3): (A) Repaint at base of neck, possible repair. (B) Repaint below the belly. (C) Repaint to one of the lotus flowers on the belly. Shrine and glass cover (1): Shrine – Repaint to base, one quarter of the roof and one side of the door frame. Pan (1): Two starcracks at base, have been repainted and stabilized. Retouch at tips of the feet. Rectangular Censer (1): Repaint on two feet of the censer. Jue (3): (A) 1cm x 1cm enamel loss on the interior. Some wear to the gilding on legs. Restoration on one of the legs , possible broken leg restuck.
"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 set of painted enamel wares is notable for its well preserved condition as a group and for the decoration that imitates cloisonné enamel wares of the Qianlong period.  The outlines of the decoration are painted in gold and colour enamels, such as rich tones of blue, brown, yellow and green, which are filled in to produce a cloisonné enamel effect.  This luxurious and impressive decorative technique was first introduced to the enamellers' repertoire by artists working in Guangzhou where wares of this type were made as tribute items for the Qing court.

For examples of pieces made in this technique see a you-form vessel, a double-gourd vase and a covered bowl illustrated in Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Hong Kong, 1987, pls. 42, 43 and 48 respectively.  It is noted (ibid., pp. 54-55) that while these wares were produced in Guangzhou during the Qianlong period, the technique declined by Jiaqing's reign and was discontinued soon afterward.

Compare also a large flower pot decorated in this technique published in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 46; and a pair of bowls published in Michael Gillingham, Chinese Painted Enamels, Oxford, 1978, pls. 125 and 126.