A large 'Longquan' Celadon Tripod Censer with applied decoration Yuan dynasty

the slightly tapered cylindrical body with ridged lip and base supported on three sturdy cabriole legs, the body with molded and applied continuous peony scroll, the center of the interior with applied circular disk, the body covered with an attractive sea-green glaze, thinning at the extremities, the unglazed applied disk burned orange, Japanese black lacquer cover, silk wrap, Japanese wood box (4)

Hokkiji Temple, Nara.

generally good condition, two firing cracks to underside, one with related hairline to underside, non-disfiguring, crack circling 3/4 of way around and just above base, a few scattered small brown specks to glaze, a few minor scattered glaze pits, surface with a few scattered scratches, 1cm spur-mark to interior bottom. Color is much more vibrant celadon green than the catalogue image suggests.
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.

For a related example, see G. St. G. M. Gompertz, Chinese Celadon Wares, London, 1980, plate 88, p. 172. A similar example, in the collection of the Ban'a-ji, Ashikaga City, Japan, is illustrated in Tsugio Mikami, Ceramic Art of the World, Vol 13. Liao, Chin and Yuan Dynasties, Tokyo, 1981, plate 151, p. 182. Compare also the censer sold in these rooms, 7th November 1980, lot 150; and another, sold in our London rooms, 9th June 1992, lot 143.  For additional related examples, see the note for lot 98.

It is interesting to note that the present celadon vessel was used as a Mizusachi (water-container for tea ceremonies) during its sojourn in Japan, according to an inscription on its Japanese wood box.