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

naturalistically painted and modelled as a crouching frog, with short spout issuing from its mouth and tall hexagonal trumpet-shaped handle supported on its back

This rare frog kendi is in very good overall condition with the exception of a 3.5cm., glaze firing line running across the front of the body, a 4.5cm., long firing line at the lower side of the body, a 5mm., firing line at the side of the spout and some minor firing imperfections including iron-spot glaze imperfections, pinhead-sized glaze holes and light glaze scratches.
"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."

The present piece is extremely rare for its hexagonal handle and moulded features, such as the bulging eyes and and ridge running down its body, and no other example appears to have been published. For similarly decorated frog kendi with a tall cylindrical handle, see one illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1989, pls 1296 and 1297; another published in John Alexander Pope, Chinese Porcelain from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington, 1956, pl. 97, fig. 29.465; and another in the Princessehof Museum, Leuwarden, illustrated in Maura Rinaldi, Kraak Porcelain, A Moment in the History of Trade, London, 1989, pl. 234. See also two examples sold in these rooms, 14^th May 2008, lot 556, and 19^th June 2002, lot 119; and another sold at Christie's London, 6^th November 1995, lot 119.