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Expert’s note
Among collectors of the magnificent imperial animal sculptures of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this incense burner has sometimes been affectionately described as the “mother of all tapirs.” The enthusiasm is understandable. Beyond its impressive size, this is simply an exceptionally beautiful object, revealing its sophistication only upon closer inspection: the finely chased collar, the ingenious placement of the imperial mark on the cover, the superbly preserved gilding particularly visible on the hooves and ears, and the masterful combination of enamel colors around the eyes.
Most striking, however, is the emerald-green ground, subtly evoking the deep green patina of an ancient bronze, and densely enlivened by extraordinarily fine gilt-wire cloisonné reminiscent of Shang- and Zhou-Dynasty spiral work. The result is characteristic of the finest imperial workmanship: what initially appears relatively restrained gradually reveals an astonishing wealth of technical refinement. Unlike the more immediately spectacular gold- and silver-inlaid Tapir bronzes of the late Ming period, this tapir does not announce its complexity at first glance. It rewards attention. Together with its large size, this remarkable combination of restraint, ingenuity, and craftsmanship makes it one of the most charismatic examples of its type.
China, 1736-1795. Finely modeled in imitation of an archaic Zhou-dynasty bronze tapir, standing foursquare with pointed ears and bulging pupils outlined in salmon-pink above a broad snout and open mouth revealing a neat row of teeth. A finely chased scrollwork collar encircles the neck, while the sturdy hooves are picked out in gilt. The body is meticulously decorated with scrolling flames outlined in fine gilt cloisonné wire against a deep emerald-green enamel ground subtly reminiscent of malachite-patinated bronze.
The peach-form hinged cover is centered by a square reserve enclosing the four-character Qianlong mark, finely inlaid in gilt wire notably thicker than that employed for the surrounding decoration. (2)
Provenance: From an important private collection in Brussels, Belgium, assembled during the second half of the 20th century, and thence by descent in the family. The collection was wide-ranging and included important European paintings, among them a work by Lucas Cranach the Younger (1515-1586), acquired from Galerie Arthur De Heuvel, Brussels, in 1979.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, including little pitting and a tiny bruise to the rear. The exceptionally well-preserved gilding is particularly remarkable for an object of more than 250 years of age. The cover and vessel are connected by a hinge; only the tiny iron pin securing the hinge is lost and could easily be replaced upon request.
Weight: 1,448 g
Dimensions: Length 29.5 cm
Cloisonné enamel representations of exotic and even mythical beasts rank among the most accomplished creations produced for the Qianlong imperial court, which included elephants, buffaloes, tigers, cranes, lions, and mythical Luduan. The present tapir is an exceptional example, masterfully modeled in a dynamic yet sturdy posture that captures the creature’s animated presence and sense of impending movement. The quality of execution is remarkable, with the finely articulated form enhanced by brilliant enamel cloisons and lavish gilt decoration applied throughout.
Literature comparison:
Compare a near identical cloisonné enamel ox-shaped zun, Qianlong mark and period, 28 cm long, in the Qing Court Collection, and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 124, no. 120, with the annotation that the model displays a particular realism and is a very successful example of a figure created in imitation of antiquity. The tapir was also included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, published in Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Government Exhibits for the International Exhibition of Chinese Art in London, Shanghai, 1936, pl. 7.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Near identical
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 7 May 2025, lot 3632
Price: HKD 2,159,000 or approx. EUR 247,000 (for two) converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An exceptional and extremely rare pair of imperial cloisonné enamel and gilt-bronze figures of tapirs, Marks and period of Qianlong
Expert remark: Compare the near identical form, decoration, and size (29 and 29.5 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Near identical
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 5 November 2025, lot 245
Price: GBP 165,100 or approx. EUR 200,000 (for two) converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare pair of imperial cloisonné enamel and gilt-bronze figures of tapirs, Marks and period of Qianlong
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and size (28.5 cm).
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| 地址： | Zelinkagasse 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria |
| 电话： | 0043-1-5320452 |
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