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

of typical form, well painted in underglaze-blue

The elephant kendi is in good overall condition with the exception of restoration to one tusk, to the top of the trunk, the tips of both ears, overpainting to fritting around the swelling mouth, some iron spotting, minor glaze pulls, minor glaze firing imperfections and light glaze scratches. It should be noted that the cobalt-blue is of a slightly 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 closely related kendi was sold in these rooms, 12^th July 2006, lot 75. For further similar examples, see one sold at Christie's London, 16^th December 1996, lot 264; another sold in these rooms, 4^th December 1995, lot 101; and a third vessel sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 26^th October 1993, lot 50. A group of seven elephant-form kendis are illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Seray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1986, p. 460; and one recovered from the shipwreck Witte Leeuw (1613) is illustrated in Jean McClure Mudge, Chinese Export Porcelain in North America, New York, 1986, pl. 97.