A cloisonne enamel censer Mark and Period of Wanli

the vessel of rectangular section, raised on four curved legs issuing from lion masks, the two long sides depicting a pair of confronting dragons divided by a shou medallion interspersed with wan symbols, the shorter sides with a vase suspended from a beribboned chime flanked by detached flower sprays and below two upright arch handles, all reserved on a deep dark-blue ground, between a band of upright lappets and a keyfret border around the rim, the base enamelled with a six-character reign mark, the pierced wood cover with dragons in mutual pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', surmounted by a celadon jade 'bird' finial (2)

Sotheby's New York, 17th January 1976, lot 356.

The censer is in good overall condition. The cloisons are intact and has light wear to the gilding. There is wear to the gilding on the legs and some minor enamel pitting to the enamel at the joins of the lion masks and the body of the censer. One of the flanges with some enamel pits to the joins. The cover has been reglued at the four corner joins and the edges are not perfectly matched together, one of the corners requires regluing. The jade finial with a chip to the base beneath the bird's mouth 1/2 inch wide. The colors in the catalogue image are lighter than the piece itself, especially the yellow and the color of the jade.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It is rare to find 16th century cloisonné bearing Wanli reign marks. The few known pieces consist mainly of dishes and boxes including a circular box formerly in the collection of Sir Percival and Lady David, illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz (trans.), Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, New York, 1989, no. 112; a large dish in the National Palace Museum illustrated in Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, cat.no. 11; and another included in Claudia Brown, Chinese Cloisonné: The Clague Collection, Phoenix Art Museum, 1980, pl. 16, pp. 48-49, all with a mark similar to that found on the present example.

Compare also a much larger version of this censer in the Krolik collection, illustrated in Edgar Bluett, 'Chinese Cloisonné Enamels in the Krolik Collection', Oriental Art, Winter, 1965, p. 221, fig. 2; the cover in color which was later sold in our London rooms, 24th February 1970, lot 26; and a pair of incense burners of this same pattern, sold in the same rooms, 15th February 1972, lot 5.