- 3163
A Rare Jade Censer with Arabic Inscription Ming Dynasty, 16th Century
Estimate
500,000 - 700,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- jade
of low cylindrical form, supported on three thin undulating feet extending from the base, the sides carved in low relief with three 'cloud' shaped cartouches each enclosing Arabic characters reading 'There is no god but the [one] God,' and 'Mohammad is the messenger of God', the translucent stone with grey and black streaks above a creamy white tone around the base
Condition
The overall condition is very good. The surface of the jade has some natural pitting that is inherent to the stone.
"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
The Arabic inscription on this censer may be translated:
There is no god but the [one] God, and Mohammad is the messenger of God.
There is no god but the [one] God, and Mohammad is the messenger of God.
It is unusual to find jade censers decorated with this Arabic cartouche, a motif that is more commonly incorporated into the design of bronze or porcelain vessels; for example see a bronze censer sold in these rooms, 4th April 2012, lot 143. A bronze ding was included in the exhibition China's Renaissance in Bronze: The Robert H. Clague Collection of Later Chinese Bronzes 1100-1900, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1993, cat. no. 25, where it is suggested that such objects were produced for the domestic market. For a related ceramic censer, but with the Arabic inscription enclosed within a roundel, see one illustrated in Tôji taikei, no. 42: Min no sometsuke, Tokyo, 1975, pl. 59.