A RARE BLUE AND WHITE HEXAGONAL INCENSE BURNER WANLI MARK AND PERIOD

of hexagonal form, with dragon head handles on a raised openwork stand, each facet painted with a crane amongst clouds below a trigram and lingzhi, within an octofoil panel, below a band of lingzhi

Christie's London, 8th December, 1975, lot 133. 

This incense burner is in generally good condition, but there is some areas of fritting to the rim, one of which has an associated glaze chip (14mm by 3mm) and a short (2mm) firing crack/inconsistency. There is numerous areas of pitting to the interior and exterior and minor glaze cracks/inconsistencies to the underside of the base.
"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."

For a similar example see Laurence C.S. Tam, Anthology of Chinese Ceramics, Hong Kong, 1980, pl. 87; and a related vessel included in the exhibition, Ming Blue and White: Jiajing to Chongzhen Including Dated Examples, London, 2004, no. 23.