Lot 22. A Longquan celadon-glazed 'Luduan' incense burner and cover, 16th century; 12.5cm (4 7/8in) high. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€11,000 - 17,000). Sold for £ 9,375 (€ 10,659). Photo Bonhams.

Well potted, the mythical beast standing four-square, its round body carved with swirls issuing flames, carrying a bell at the chest, the cover shaped as the animal's head surmounted by a single curved horn, the mouth agape and curling mane below its chin, with bulging eyes and a snout-like nose, applied overall with a lustrous green glaze, Japanese wood box (3). 

Note: The present lot is based in form on a metal prototype. However, ceramic versions of these figural censers are rare. A similar example from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Chia is illustrated in Chinese Celadons and Other Related Wares in Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian Ceramics Society, Singapore, 1979, Catalogueno.279, pl.230, and later sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 5th November 1996, lot 655. For an example of a Ming dynasty prototype see The Second Bronze Age, Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss, Ltd, London, 1991, no.18. 

Luduan are auspicious beasts known for their ability to detect the truth and travel great distances in a short time. For a full discussion on the subject accompanying a bronze Qing dynasty example of the form see P.K.Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes, The Saint Louis Museum and Robert E. Kresko Collection, Saint Louis, 2008, pp.162-167.

A similar Longquan celadon 'luduan' censer and cover, 16th century, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3413.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET