A RARE BLANC-DE-CHINE `MARCO POLO' OCTAGONAL CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI

the octagonal body moulded in relief with panels of stylised lotus flowers and foliage and set with four simple loop handles, the pierced domed cover carved with prunus and surmounted by nine protruding lotus buds, all raised on eight short cabriole legs, the octagonal stand similarly carved with panels of lotus around the exterior and surmounted by eight lotus buds around the gallery, the interior carved with a lotus spray encircled by leafy floral sprays, all raised on eight short ruyi feet

This censer is in good condition, but has a 1cm firing crack to the centre of the cover, a 1.5cm firing crack to the edge of the interior base and a few other smaller ones to the same area. There is a 13mm firing crack to the rim and several small firing cracks to the rim of the base.
"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."

A similar censer is illustrated in P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, pl.16; another was included in the Exhibition of Te Hua Porcelain, Art Gallery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1975, cat. nos.51-52; and one is illustrated in David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, vol.1, London, 1978, pl.53.

Compare also two censers of this form sold in these rooms, 3rd November 1987, lot 510, and 3rd July 1984, lot 70.