€30,000 - €60,000
A Chinese 'imperial tribute' blue-ground Canton enamel incense burner and cover, Qianlong mark and of the period
Description:
H.: 21 cm
Provenance:
A Danish private collection.
Ref.:
- Sotheby's, Hong Kong, June 1, 2015, lot 669, for a yellow-ground example, clearly from the same workshop. (sold HKD 1.000.000) (External link available on rm-auctions.com) (see added scan)
Their catalogue note states: The elegant shape, lavish colouration and meticulous floral scroll on this censer are characteristic of painted enamel wares made by Guangzhou artists employed to produce tribute items for the Qing court. Since the technique of enamelling on metal was introduced by Jesuit missionaries residing in Guangzhou around 1684, the craftsmen of Guangzhou proved so proficient in the new craft that by 1716 the Kangxi Emperor is known to have summoned two artisans from there to work in the enamel workshop of the Imperial Household Department in the Palace.
By the Qianlong Emperorâs reign, the art of enamelling on metal had reached exceptionally high standards, and this art-form continued to receive the Emperorâs foremost interest and patronage.This censer is unusual in its shape and floral scroll decoration. The compressed globular form, elegant cabriole legs and thick gilding under the neck are reminiscent of contemporary censers in cloisonne enamel.
- Christie's, New York, Sep. 17, 2008, lot 190, for a cloisonne example of the same shape, on which the current piece's shape is likely inspired. (External link available on rm-auctions.com) (see added scan)
Condition reports:
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