A very rare blue and white 'Budai on elephant' censer and cover. Tianqi Period (1621-1627). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The censer is modelled in the form of an elephant, delicately painted with cobalt blue lines emulating the skin. The cover is formed by Budai Hesheng modelled seated and with a perforated mouth to allow the smoke to escape. 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) high, Japanese fitted wood box - Lot 361. Estimate £25,000 - £35,000 ($39,825 - $55,755)

Notes: There is very similar Kosometsuke elephant-form incense burner in the Umezawa Gallery,Summer Exhibition, Tokyo, 1968, no. 31. Compare to another very similar one illustrated in the Kaikodo Journal, Magnificent Obessions, Hong Kong, Spring 2012, p. 166-167, no. 64.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art 15 May 2012 London, King Street www.christies.com