A 'DEHUA' 'MARCO POLO' CENSER, COVER, AND STAND QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the octagonal body molded in relief with panels of stylized lotus flowers and foliage and set with four loop handles, the pierced domed cover with prunus and surmounted by nine lotus buds, all raised on eight cabriole legs, the conforming stand similarly molded with panels of lotus around the exterior, the interior with a lotus spray encircled by leafy floral sprays, all raised on eight short ruyi feet (3)

The Dr. C.M. Franzero Collection.
Bluett & Sons, London, 1974.
Chait Galleries, New York.
Collection of C.P. Shatman.
Christie's New York, 1st December 1988, lot 266.

One handle restored. The base platform's raised circular border with minor flake chips, and four of the surrounding florets bruised, now with slight glaze discoloration. Scattered old minor flake chips to the cover's rim and censer interior rim. Scattered minor firing imperfections and minor abrasions.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Censers of this type have always been associated with Marco Polo, as it was a popular belief in the 19th century that they were brought to Venice by the explorer. A similar censer ascribed to the Kangxi period is illustrated in P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, pl. 16. A closely related example was included in the Exhibition of Te Hua Porcelain, Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1975, cat. nos 51 and 52; and a similar example from the Mottahedeh collection was illustrated in David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, vol. 1, London, 1978, pl. 53. A similar censer was sold in our London rooms, 10th November 2010, lot 345.