each of teardrop form, executed in repoussé with a pair of mandarin ducks wading towards each other with the heads raised towards a crest of interlaced ribbons and vines, a pair of robust lotus blossoms below (2)

Sotheby's London, 11th June 1991, lot 15.

In overall good condition with scattered minute losses around the edges and minor indentations. The surface cleaned and the gilding possibly refreshed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This pair of gold plaques could be joined together to form a parfumier, a coveted luxury item in its time. Aromatic substances were placed between the openwork plaques, and the resulting pomander could be attached to clothing such as scarves or shawls, as well as to functional objects. See a related example of a single plaque, now preserved in the Nanjing Museum and illustrated in Zhongguo meishu fenlei quanji, Zhongguo jin yin boli falang qi quanji [Illustrated Classification of Chinese Art, Chinese Gold, Silver, Glass, and Cloisonné], vol. III, Shijiazhuang, 2004, pl. 35, from the tomb of Lu Shimeng in Wu county, Jiangsu province, dated 1304. Plaques were cast with varying auspicious subjects. A 'lotus meander' plaque of teardrop form was sold in these rooms, 12th September 2018, lot 239. In addition, compare a twin phoenix pendant of similar form from the collection of Pierre Uldry, illustrated in Chinesisches Gold und Silber, Zurich, 1994, cat. no. 288, and a twin fish example, exhibited in Silver and Gold in Ancient China, J.J. Lally & Co., New York, 2012, cat. no. 39.