A pair of blue-ground cloisonne enamel 'quail' censers

Each bird is modelled in mirror image with its head turned to one side and beak open enclosing a bead. The wings form the cover and fit onto a circular aperture on the back. The bodies are wired and enamelled in bright blue, with the wings enamelled turquoise and highlighted in multicoloured enamels. Each quail stands on an elaborate European-style base decorated with flowers.

Catalogue note:

Condition: one quail - losses to the enamel by the neck and legs (the largest approx. 0.6 cm.), crack to the gilt metal stand (approx. 9 cm long); the other quail - losses to the enamel on the head and by the beak; minor losses to the legs.