A RARE BLUE AND WHITE 'KRAAK PORSELEIN' 'FROG' KENDI MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

possibly for the Japanese market, well modelled and coloured in underglaze-blue, with a broad aperture to its back and high loop handle, a short spout issuing from its mouth

The kendi is in good overall condition with the exception of light fritting around the rim; a small glaze pull at the spout and minute burst glaze bubbles and minor glaze firing imperfections. It should be noted the blue is of a slightly paler tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

It is extremely rare to find frog-form kendis with a handle, although a very similar example is illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 829; and one with the original handle replaced by a bronze loop handle in Japan was sold at Christie's London, 12th June 1989, lot 396.

Compare a kendi of the more common form without a handle, in the British Museum, London, included in Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics, London, 2001, p. 283, pl. 11:16, where the author mentions that kendis of this type were exported from China to the Middle East, South-east Asia and Europe in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century. Another example is discussed and illustrated by Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1986, p. 731, pls. 1296-97.