A BLUE AND WHITE HEXAGONAL BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

of hexagonal section, the straight sides supported on an integral base with a pierced apron, the exterior painted in inky tones of cobalt with six panels under a band of lingzhi, each enclosing a trigram and a crane among clouds, set with a pair of mythical beast-head handles, the fitted cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a finial in the form of a seated qilin, the underside of the box inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double rectangles

Box: There are chips to the corners of the biscuit base. There is a hairline crack across the base and extending to two sides of the body. There are also firing cracks to the base of the interior running along the border as well as firing hairlines to the feet. There are also burst air bubbles and associated glazed flakes to the extremities. Cover: The finial has probably been detached and reaffixed. There are small chips to the horn of the beast and the head has also been broken and restuck as visible in the catalogue illustration. There are characteristic firing cracks to the underside of the cover and another one to the outer mouthrim with burst bubbles with associated glaze flakes.
"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."

Another similar Wanli reign-marked incense burner is preserved in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterworks of Chinese Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1969, no. 36. Compare also another related incense burner, sold Christie's Hong Kong, 30th November 2011, lot 2984.