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A BLUE AND WHITE 'ELEPHANT' KENDI MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
of typical form, painted in underglaze blue, Japanese wood box
Condition
This kendi is in good overall condition with the exception of repainting to a crescent-shape section (approx. 5cm) to the knop of the neck; a 2.5cm crescent-shaped flake to the tip of the right ear; restoration to the tip of the trunk on the right and nibbles to the left; a 0.3mm frit and light firing hairline crack to the tusk; a 0.5cm flake to the rear of the base; some iron spotting; light glaze scratches and minor glaze firing imperfections. The neck also leans gently towards the head.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A similar elephant-form kendi, recovered from the Witte Leeuw (1613) cargo belonging to the Dutch East India Company, is illustrated in Jean Mudge, Chinese Export Porcelain in North America, 2000, p. 68, col. pl. 97. See also a group of seven kendi of this type included in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol II, London 1986, pls. 1294-1295; and another example, from the Mottahedeh collection and exhibited at the Virginia Museum between 1981-82, at the China Institute of America in 1984, and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1984-85, sold in our New York rooms, 19th October 2000, lot 78.