each delicately modelled with a tapering cylindrical body resting on a slightly larger splayed foot, surmounted by a gently concave band decorated with three gilt scroll flanges below the mouthrim, the body divided into two main registers by a gilt flange, the upper register decorated with a continuous scene depicting various birds against a tranquil riverscape arboured with tall trees and set with jagged rockwork, the lower register with a similar riverscape and further detailed with small pavilions and various tribute bearers, some portrayed with foreign features and adorned in foreign attire, below the grooved band encircling the rim and finely picked out in pink enamel with floral and scrolling motifs against a pastel pink ground, all above a further pink-ground band encircling the foot with feathery scrolls and 'horse-hoof' motifs, the turquoise-enamelled base centred with an iron-red four-character seal mark within a white cartouche, wood stands

Christie's Hong Kong, 27th April 1997, lot 761. 

Both these extremely rare incense holders have been sympathetically restored, but the enamelled decoration is preserved in good condition. On the left holder the restoration includes a restored crack that extends around the body and retouching to the scroll flanges. On the right holder the separate sections have been professionally refixed, and there is other restoration including a crack covering approximately half of the upper register and repair to the scroll flanges.
"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."

Remarkable for their fine and detailed painting on a small scale, the present pair is probably unique, with no other comparable examples known to exist.

These h😼olders have been cleverly cr🐼eated to simulate painted enamel wares as indicated by the gilding on the bands, rims and handles. The scene of foreigners is also more commonly found on painted enamels, which were in turn inspired by European watercolour paintings. However while these copper-bodied wares often portrayed the figural design in cartouches, the present scenes extend around the whole holders as though painted on a miniature handscroll. Additionally, the foreign scene provides an attractive contrast with the traditional bird and phoenix scene depicted above.