Lot 1580. A rare wucai reticulated incense burner, late Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century, 7 in. (17.8 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 10,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2016

The tall, high-shouldered, hollow body is fitted on the interior of the upper body with a rounded bowl, and the sides are molded with six lobes separated by alternating ascending and descending chilong. Each lobe is pierced with elaborate openings from which rise iron-redlingzhi sprigs, all on an iron-red diaper ground between a petal-lappet border below and leaf-tip border above. The neck is pierced with three quatrefoil openings separated by babao on a diaper ground below a narrow band of key fret on the mouth rim, Japanese wood box, Japanese silver cover.