Wucai small spill holder or incense burner. Chongzhen-Shunzhi, circa 1645. Photo Marchant

of cylindrical form, gently tapering towards the foot, painted with a figure seated playing a biwa in a covered viewing pavilion on a hill beside a bamboo grove with flowering plants and rockwork, all between two underglaze blue single lines, the rim with mushikui. 2 1/8 inches, 5.5cm diameter, 3 5/8 inches, 9.3cm high. Price on request.

Japanese wood box, silvered metal cover and wood stand.

Formerly in a Japanese private collection.

No other miniature vessel of this type appears recorded.

Marchant. 120 Kensington Church Street London W8 4BH. United Kingdom. Tel: 44 0207-229-5319 - Fax: 44 0207-792-897 -  http://www.marchantiques.com