A RARE LONGQUAN FIGURAL SCUPTURE MING DYNASTY, CHONGZHEN PERIOD

of hexagonal form with two smiling boys standing on either side of a large round drum, one boy holding drumsticks playing the drum as the other boy beats a small gong braced by his left arm, enclosed within a six-sided balustrade fence and supported on a raised pedestal stand with a waisted apron supported on a round stretcher, glazed overall in an thick unctuous celadon save for the boys' heads covered in a clear glaze and fired to a dark brown, the underside inscribed with the fu ('fortune') character within a square

There is a firing crack across the mark on the underside and two hairline cracks on the stretcher, but otherwise the condition is quite good. The actual colour is a little greener than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

This charming model is unusual for its subject and no other related example appears to have been published. The enclosure upon which the boys play is reminiscent of Longquan celadon stands modelled after balustrades and architectural structures; see a slightly larger example of similar octagonal form but with a taller circular stretcher, from the Warren E. Cox and George de Menasce collections, sold in our London rooms, 12^th December 1977, lot 64, and again at Christie's London, 6^th October 1980, lot 185.

The drum is traditionally a symbol of vigour and the popular subject of boys at play represents the wish for many noble sons.