A yellow-glazed tripod censer, ding, 17th century

Modelled after its archaic bronze prototype, incised on either side with cloud scrolls and ruyi-head motifs composing abstract taotie masks, against a geometric ground with segmented flower-heads, the three legs moulded as stylised makara heads, covered overall with a rich yellow glaze.  16.3cm (6½in) high. Sold for £8,400

Provenance: R.H.R.Palmer, collection label no.458.
Palmer Inventory no.458, where it is stated that the ding was purchased as 16th century in December 1936 for £35.

The form and decoration of the present lot is inspired by archaic bronze Ding vessels. The admiration of archaic bronzes also extended to other ritual vessels, such as the he; for a yellow-glazed he vessel from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, dated as Kangxi/Yongzheng see J.Ayers, Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1980, pl.66.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com