Lot 32. A blue and white 'elephant' kendi, Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573-1619). Hauteur: 20 cm. (7 7/8 in.). Estimate EUR 6,000 - EUR 8,000. Price Realised EUR 7,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2021.

La verseuse est en forme d'éléphant stylisé luxueusement harnaché. Il porte sur son dos un tapis précieux surmonté d'un vase.

Note: Chinese porcelain kendi, deriving from a Middle Eastern form, were made in several animal forms in the Ming dynasty, including frog and elephant. Several elephant kendis are illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. II, pp. 729 and 730; and two further elephant kendis by M. Rinaldi, Kraak Porcelain, A Moment in the History of Trade, London, 1989, pp.180-1, pls. 231 and 232. Compare also with a close example in the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts illustrated by W. Sargent, Treasures of Chinese export ceramics from the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, pl.22, p. 93 and in Chinese Export Porcelain - Chine de Commande, D. F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, London, 1974, pl. 30. See two elephant examples in the Hodroff Collection sold at Christie's, New York, 21 January 2009, lot 165 and 23 January 2008, lot 234.

Christie's. Art d'Asie, 9 Juin 2021