Lot 3219. A very rare Longquan celadon censer, Ming dynasty, 15th century; 9 in. (23 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 300,000 - HKD 500,000. Price Realized HKD 600,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vessel is potted with a compressed globular body, and is flanked by a pair of dragon-form ring handles, which end just below the flared mouth rim. The vessel is covered overall in a rich glaze of pale green tone, silk wrapper, cover, Japanese wood box. 

Provenance: A Japanese private collection, Kobe, acquired circa 1930s.

Note: The present vessel would have been used as a water container in a Japanese tea ceremony.

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall