A Rare Pair of Imperial Large Cloisonné Enamel, Gilt-Bronze and Glass Lanterns

QIANLONG

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A Rare Pair of Imperial Large Cloisonné Enamel, Gilt-Bronze and Glass Lanterns
Qianlong
Each of octagonal form and composed of openwork sections raised on a baluster column rising from an octagonal platform set atop the spreading foot, the central lantern inset on each facet with a glass panel, the larger panels carved and etched on the reverse with different scenes of pairs of quail and the narrow corner panels reverse painted, one of the larger panels hinged for access to the interior, all within an openwork border of rope-tied bi, the openwork cylindrical section above with lion-mask and loose ring handles, and the whole surmounted by a crown-like superstructure with globular finial decorated with a dragon amidst multi-colored clouds
28in. (71.1cm.) high (2)

Lot Essay

Compare the similar lantern hung with beaded chains photographed in situ and illustrated in, Palaces of the Forbidden City, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 304, pl. 455, where two hanging lanterns of this type are also illustrated, pl. 456 and 457.

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