A GILT-BRONZE 'FIVE ELEPHANT' TRIPOD CENSER AND RETICULATED COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD, DATED TO 1770

with steep flaring sides decorated in low relief with lotus blooms borne on scrolling foliage, below a raised key-fret fillet around the rim, all supported on three elephant-head feet, each with long curled tusks and bejewelled harnesses, flanked at the sides by a pair of elephant-head handles with upturned stouts, the underside cast with sixteen characters in regular script within a rectangular panel, reading Da Qing Qianlong sanshiwu nian jiu yue jianzao wu xiang bao ding ('The 'five elephant' treasured tripod ding was made under supervision in the ninth month of Qianlong 35th year', corresponding to 1770), the domed cover similarly decorated with lotus blossoms and undulating leafy stems in openwork, surmounted by a recumbent elephant in elaborate embellishment, carrying on its back a basin with auspicious emblems and treasures

Sotheby's New York, 7^th- 8^th April 1988, lot 308.

Sotheby's New York, 28^th- 29^th September 1989, lot 245.

The attachment between the basin knop and the recumbent elephant of the cover has probably been reinforced with glue. Most of the original studded hardstones have been lost or replaced. There are some minor dents and surface scratches to the censer and cover. Except for some typical tarnishing and wear to the gilding, the overall condition is quite good.
"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 censer has been inspired by Ming prototypes of similar decoration; see one attributed to the Xuande period (1426-35), but with a waisted neck, included in the Special Exhibition of Incense Burners and Perfumers Throughout the Dynasties, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1994, cat. no. 55. The form derives from ritual bronze ding vessels of the Shang and Zhou periods, but the traditional loop handles and cylindrical legs have been replaced with elephant heads. A related example was sold in our London rooms, 12^th May 1989, lot 525; and another of larger size, but cast with a leafy lotus scroll and with the four character mark yu tang qing wan, was sold in these rooms, 12^th May 1983, lot 266. For a similar censer attributed to the Ming dynasty, see one sold in our London rooms, 24^th April 1987, lot 381.

The elephant (xiang) is a pun for 'sign' and the phrase taiping youxiang ('when there is peace, there are signs') is represented by an elephant carrying a vase on its back. During the Qing dynasty elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in processions celebrating the emperor's birthday.