Page 104 - Christie's Important Chinese Art Nov 3 2020 London

(detail)

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTION
87
A MAGNIFICENT AND LARGE PAIR OF RETICULATED SQUARE-
SECTION CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CENSERS AND COVERS
18TH-19TH CENTURY
Each censer is supported on four elephant trunk-form feet with mask-head
terminals and each side of the lower section is inset with rectangular gilt metal
panels embellished with butterflies, leafy tendrils and melons in champleve
enamels. The detachable upper sections have reticulated fretwork gilt metal
panels set within a border of bats and clouds below an openwork band of
cloisonné enamel lotus scrolls. The covers are similarly decorated with gilt
metal 'bat and scrolling lotus' panels embellished with pendant ruyi heads and
are surmounted with a square finial decorated with shou characters.
18 1/4 in. (46.5 cm.) high (2)
£40,000-60,000 US$52,000-77,000
€44,000-66,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Germany before 1989.
It is unusual to find a pair of cloisonné enamel censers of this size, lavish
quality and workmanship. The auspicious wishes within the decorative
scheme conveys an abundance of blessings on the onlooker. The symbolism
of melons and butterflies is an auspicious one and forms the rebus for
'numerous descendants'. The melon with its seeds symbolises many sons
and grandsons, while the butterfly symbolizes blessings, happiness and
longevity.

重要歐洲私人珍藏
清十八/十九世紀 掐絲琺瑯百福紋方形蓋爐一對
來源:
於1989年前購自德國

102 In addition to the hammer price, a Buyer’s Premium (plus VAT) is payable. Other taxes and/or an Artist Resale Royalty
fee are also payable if the lot has a tax or λ symbol. Check Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of this catalogue.