Lot 300. A Rare Blue And White 'Frog' Kendi, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573-1620);  18.5cm., 7 1/4 in. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot sold 46,850 GBP. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 2008

naturalistically painted and modelled as a crouching frog, with short spout issuing from its mouth and tall hexagonal trumpet-shaped handle supported on its back. 

Note: The present piece is extremely rare for its hexagonal handle and moulded features, such as the bulging eyes and and ridge running down its body, and no other example appears to have been published. For similarly decorated frog kendi with a tall cylindrical handle, see one illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1989, pls 1296 and 1297; another published in John Alexander Pope, Chinese Porcelain from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington, 1956, pl. 97, fig. 29.465; and another in the Princessehof Museum, Leuwarden, illustrated in Maura Rinaldi, Kraak Porcelain, A Moment in the History of Trade, London, 1989, pl. 234. See also two examples sold in these rooms, 14^th May 2008, lot 556, and 19^th June 2002, lot 119; and another sold at Christie's London, 6^th November 1995, lot 119.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London.