清乾隆 銅弦紋執壺 《乾隆丁丑年製 敬信齋祭器》款

of elegant pear-shaped form, the swollen body gently rising to a slender flared neck, supported on a recessed circular foot surrounded by a protruding footrim, cast with a long, tapering cylindrical spout set opposite a serpentine, cylindrical handle, the domed cover with flared, hollow finial, attached by a loop and chain to the handle, decorated a raised band of triple lines at the central body, neck, and cover, the foot inscribed in zhuanshu with two inscriptions: Qianlong dingchou nian zhi (‘Made in the dingchou year of the Qianlong period’); and Jingxin zhai jiqi (‘Ritual vessel [for the] Retreat for Honouring Faith’)

倫敦 Brian Harkins Oriental Art，2001年11月

There is general surface wear to the body, and minute chips to the tip of the spout, cover and base. The patina is slightly darker than in the catalogue photo.
"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 Jingxin zhai (‘Retreat for Honouring Faith’) lies within the precincts of the You Shengjiao si (‘Temple to Assist Superior Teaching’), usually called simply the Shengjiao si (‘Temple of Superior Teaching’), located in the south-east suburbs of Beijing.  The temple, rather dilapidated by the Tongzhi era, was thoroughly renovated in 1867 and is still kept in good condition today. 

There does not appear to be any particular archaic prototype for this form, although pouring vessels of other shapes with chain-linked lids exist.  Whatever the origins of the form, there is a fierce austerity about it which is appealing.  The ewer was probably made as a presentation to the Retreat by a patron, or grateful student, and may have originally been in ritual usage.