Lot 83A
East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A marvelous porcelain censer in the form of a mythical creature known as a luduan featuring a stout body supported by 4 legs and a lid as the turned head. Crowned by its characteristic curved horn, the animal presents a fierce demeaner with mouth agape baring teeth with 4 sharp fangs. His well-rounded body is carved with spiraling motifs radiating flames and undulating striations across the chest. A relief bell hangs from the front, while a curly, upswept tail is shown at the back. Often mistakenly identified as a qilin, loudan are auspicious beasts signifying virtuous leadership and frequently depicted as a hybrid of a bear, unicorn, lion, and deer. They are best known for their ability to detect the truth and travel great distances in a short time. This censor would emit wafting scents and smoke through the vents in the open mouth and nose as if breathing, a truly exciting vessel when in use! Size: 8.4" L x 8.2" W x 11" H (21.3 cm x 20.8 cm x 27.9 cm)
Luduan censors became popular during the 14th to 15th century and were often placed in imperial courts as a solemn reminder for the emperor and subjects to always speak wisdom and be receptive to the truth.
Longquan celadon ceramics are known for their varying shades of either blue, blue green, or olive green. In addition to widespread domestic use, these were some of China's most important exports during the Song period, and were widely imitated in Korea and Japan. The body was thrown on a potter's wheel and the color of the glaze comes from iron oxides fired in a reducing atmosphere. These objects were fired in "dragon kilns", long brick tunnels that rose up a slope, to provide slow and even heating. Archaeologists estimate that up to 25,000 vessels would be made at once in the largest of these kilns!
A similar Ming celadon luduan censer hammered $10,000 at Sotheby's New York as lot 27 on March 17th, 2015 ("Chinese Art Through The Eye Of Sakamoto Goro - Ceramics") and another though less detailed and only 6 inches tall hammered 187,500 HKD (equivalent to $24,187.50 at the time) at Christie's Hong Kong as lot 3413 on May 28th, 2014 ("The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art" Live Auction 3322).
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004
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#181054
- Condition: Small chip to periphery of lid, and another to tip of animal's tongue. Some pitting, nicks, and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Expected wear to undersides of feet, rim, and underside of lid. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice preservation of pigments and detail. Craquelure to areas of glaze. TL holes to undersides of front right and back left feet.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |