An unusual Longquan celadon-glazed 'Buddhist lion' incense burner and cover, 15th century. Estimate £12,000 - 18,000 (€17,000 - 25,000). Photo Bonhams.

The bulbous drum-shaped body supported on the shoulders of three kneeling boys standing on a circular pedestal, moulded with a row of drum-nail bosses encircling the rim, the flat cover surmounted by a recumbent Buddhist lion with one paw resting on a ribboned brocade ball, covered overall with a sea-green glaze, Japanese wood box. 12.5cm (4 7/8in) high (3). 

Note: The present drum-shaped incense burner and cover is particularly rare. Compare a related Longquan celadon platform with a drum raised on the shoulders of boys, Yuan dynasty, from the Songde Tang collection, illustrated by A.C.M.Lai, The Multiplicity of Simplicity: Monochrome Wares from the Song to the Yuan Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2012, pl.83.

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