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

well modelled and painted in underglaze-blue, the body with flower heads on a stippled ground

Christie's London, 12th May 1986, lot 176

This rare kendi is in good overall condition with the exception of a 13mm. wide flake to the side of the knopped mouth, fritting around the same area, nibbles to the rim, nibbles to the spout, a 12mm. wide shallow flake to the edge of the base, light glaze scratches and minor glaze firing imperfections. It should be noted that the cobalt-blue is of a stronger 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."

A frog kendi of similar design is discussed and illustrated by Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1986, no. 1296 and 1297. Another slightly different example from the Princessehof Museum, Leeuwarden (inv. 1707) is illustrated by M. Rinaldi, Kraak Porcelain, A Moment in the History of Trade, London, 1989, p. 181, pl. 234.

A similar kendi was sold in these rooms, 19^th June 2002, lot 119; another at Christie's London, 6^th November 1995, lot 66; and one of slightly differing form was sold in these rooms, 20^th June 2001, lot 265.