Provenance: Acquired from Manheim Galleries, New Orleans, June 5th, 1975.

A Chinese Cloisonne Enamel and Gilt Bronze Tripod Censer and Cover, mid-Qing dynasty 12-3/4 x 11 x 7-1/2 inches (32.4 x 27.9 x 19.1 cm) PROVENANCE: Manheim Galleries, New Orleans, June 5th, 1975. This exquisite Chinese cloisonné tripod censer showcases the intricate and labor-intensive cloisonné technique, where fine metal wires are used to create compartments filled with vibrant colored enamel. The censer is covered with a domed lid, decorated with five bats in ruyi heads against a turquoise blue ground, beneath an openwork gilt finial featuring stylized lotus blooms and scrolling foliage. The body, of compressed globular form, displays the Eight Buddhist Emblems surrounded by lotus and scrolling foliage. The shoulders are flanked by a pair of gilt dragon-form handles, all raising from three cabriole legs issuing from gilt-bronze lion masks. Each dragon is meticulously crafted with five claws, a symbol reserved for the emperor. The censer's elegant form and luxurious materials reflect the high level of craftsmanship associated with imperial commissions. A similar but slightly smaller example, with a pair of four-clawed dragon handles, can be found in the collection of the RISD Museum (object number 1989.110.84) bequeathed by John M. Crawford, Jr., a prominent collector of Asian art whose collection has been compared to that formed by Charles Freer. Property from the Estate of Ann Alter HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

In an overall good condition, with no restorations or cracks. Scattered minor areas of enamel loss and nicks, some potentially original production related, otherwise consistent with age and handling. The finial, handles and legs all screwed to the body, the finial is slightly loose on the lid, but still attached. Minor gilt rubbing to the finial, the mouth rim, and on the handles, consistent with age and handling. Otherwise, no other visible condition issues to report.