A Longquan celadon tripod censer, Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The cylindrical body is raised on three short cabriole legs and decorated in relief to the exterior with a continuous floral scroll bearing four blooms borne on leafy tendrils. The censer is covered overall in a pale sea-green glaze. 7 1/8 in. (18 cm.) diam., reticulated silver cover - Lot 401. Estimate £25,000 - £35,000 ($39,825 - $55,755)

Notes: Compare a tripod censer of similar form and decoration, but slightly smaller in size, which sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 31 May 2010, lot 1983. An example from the Shanghai Museum is illustrated in Longquan Qinci, Beijing, 1966, pl. 23. See another in the collection of Idemitsu Museum of Arts illustrated in Song Dynasty Ceramics, Tokyo, 1979, pl. 19. 

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