Chinese Blanc De Chine Censer, C.1640, Ming (1368-1644)

Ref: W425

Chinese blanc de chine censer, c.1640, Ming (1368–1644), of moulded cylindrical form with raised overlapping bands and three low ruyi-head feet, the exterior with incised band of key-fret pattern. With later wooden stand.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 10.5cm (4 1/8 in.), height without stand: 7.7cm. (3 in.)

Condition:

Miniscule frit to outside rim, another to inner rim

Notes:

Made in the kilns at Dehua in the South-Eastern coastal province of Fujian, this censer showcases the creamy-white, translucent porcelain for which the region is renowned. Its form is taken from ancient bronze vessels, which were initially studied by scholars during the Song (960-1279) and then copied by potters to attract more academic clientele. For an illustrated example of a similar lian-form censer, see ‘Dehua Wares Collected by the Palace Museum I’, The Forbidden City Publishing House, 2016 p.253. Another similar example can be found in Sheaf, Colin and Kilburn, Richard, ‘Hatcher Porcelain Cargoes, The Complete Record’, 1988, p.73 (plate 113).