A RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE PARFUMIER MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

the baluster body brightly decorated with bands of flower-filled ruyi and quatrefoil panels reserved on a cash diaper ground, divided by a pierced gilt 'Three Friends' band, the broad everted gilt-bronze rim pierced with leafy floral sprays and encircled by a vertical cloisonne lip, all supported by a dragon handle and three long chains 

The parfumier is in very good overall condition with the exception of a slight warp to the rim, several small areas of restoration to the enamel around the rim, two areas of loss, cracking and minor repair to the enamel on the flaring neck (10 x 2 and a 4 x 2mm loss), characteristic pitting and enamel shrinkage and light rubbing to the gilding.
"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."

Reticulated cloisonné enamel vessels of this form and large size are rare; see a smaller example of square section, in the Pierre Uldry collection, included in the exhibition Chinesisches Cloisonné. Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Rietberg Museum, Zurich, 1985, cat. no. 161; and a pair of hexafoil section offered at Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th October 1995, lot 622.