A BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' INCENSE BURNER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI |

the body of rectangular form with four graduated square incurved legs, flanked by a pair of animal mask handles, the exterior painted with five-clawed dragons amongst clouds and flames, the base centred with a six-character reign mark within a double rectangle, silver cover, Japanese wood box

The incense burner is in good overall condition. There are shallow flakes to the edges, including an approx. 0.9 cm glaze flake to the edge of one leg, and some minor ones possibly resulting from characteristic fritting. There are general firing imperfections and surface wear.
"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."

Another incenser burner of this form and design in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts is illustrated in Imperial Overglaze-enamelled Wares in the Late Ming Dynasty, Osaka, 1995, pl. 735; one from the collection of Gustaf Hillestrom, Stockholm, was included in the exhibition Ming Blue-and-white, The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm, 1964, cat.no. 75; and a third example sold in these rooms, 15th March 1979, lot 504, and again in our London rooms, 13th December 1983, lot 255. Compare also a Wanli mark and period incense burner of this shape painted with the design of clouds, dragons and waves, from the Qing court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (II), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 177.