A GOOD BLUE AND WHITE 'ELEPHANT' KENDI MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

of typical form, well painted in underglaze-blue

The kendi is in good overall condition with the exception of a 6mm. V-shaped chip to one tusk; minor frits to the ears, tail, eyebrows and rim; and light glaze scratches and rubbing to the glaze predominantly to the rear of the elephant. It should be noted the blue is slightly brighter 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."

A similar elephant-form kendi, recovered from the Witte Leeuw (1613) cargo belonging to the Dutch East India Company, is illustrated in Jean Mudge, Chinese Export Porcelain in North America, 2000, p. 68, col. pl. 97. See also a group of seven kendi of this type included in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1986, pls. 1294-1295; and a further example, from the Mottahedeh collection and exhibited at the Virginia Museum between 1981-82, at the China Institute of America in 1984, and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, between 1984-85, sold in our New York rooms, 19th October 2000, lot 78.