Lot 21: A PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE-MOUNTED CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN COCKEREL CANDELABRA, THE PORCELAIN QIANLONG (1736-1795), THE MOUNTS LOUIS XV, WITH THE CROWN C POINÇON, CIRCA 1745-49, ATTRIBUTED TO JACQUES CAFFIÉRI  (1678-1755), ALMOST CERTAINLY ACQUIRED BY MADAME DE POMPADOUR FROM LAZARE–DUVAUX ON 4TH AUGUST 1755 FOR L’HÔTEL D’ÉVREUX IN PARIS |

each cockerel with white bodies incised with realistic feathers, their heads, wattles, crests and legs painted red and standing on a brown tree stump, the pierced base cast with terraces, scrolls and acanthus, issuing three boldly scrolled acanthus and flower bud cast candlebranches, the mounts struck repeatedly with the crowned c poinçon

each 63cm. high; 2ft. 1in.

In overall very good original condition. Exceptional quality casting of the gilt-bronze. The colour of the gilding is less greenish and the porcelain is slightly darker and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The gilt-bronze has very minor casting cracks in places which is normal. The bobèches are drilled for electricity. There is a very small hole on one bobèche on one candelabrum and two on the right hand bobèche of the other candelabrum, as visible on page 141. There is a very small loss to the right side of a gilt-bronze scroll on the base of the same one which is not too noticeable. The porcelain: Both are in original very good condition. A few very miniscule chips to the coxcombs of both but these are hardly noticeable. Some flaking to the enamel especially on the legs as visible from the catalogue photographs.There are some scattered iron spots which are normal and some very minor surface dirt which can be cleaned off. This pair of candelabrum are extraordinary not only for their exceptional gilt-bronzes, innovative design with a terraced base but also for their illustrious provenance and are highly recommended.
"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."

Livre-Journal of Lazare-Duvaux of 4^th August 1755 no. 2210 Du. 4- Mme la Marq. De Pompadour: Poffé dans l’entrefol de l’hoftel à Paris:
Une paire de girandoles à trois branches à feuillage, garnies de fleurs & terraffes dorées fur des coqs blancs, 360l.’ see fig. 2.
Jean Cordey, Inventaire des biens de Madame de Pompadour rédigé après son décès, Paris, 1939, 5^th July 1764:
No. 415.-Une garniture de cinq pièces de porcelaine blanche, une paire  de girandolles  à trois branches, sur des coqs blancs. Le tout prisé quatre vingt sieze livres.’ see fig. 3.

Almost certainly purchased by Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), see fig. 1, from the marchand-mercier Lazare–Duvaux on 4th August 1755 for her Parisian residence l’Hôtel d’Évreux, also known as the Hôtel de Pompadour, the present-day Elysée Palace in Paris.
The Viscounts Astor, Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire.
Private American Collector.
Sotheby’s, Parke Bernet & Co., London, 6^th July 1979, lot 162.
Private European Collection.