Lot 1551. An unusual small Longquan celadon censer and cover, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 6 ½ in. (16.5 cm.) high. Estimate USD 12,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 23,750 © Christie's Images Ltd 2016

The square censer is decorated on the sides with floral sprigs and is supported on the shoulders of four kneeling human figures, raised on an integral openwork base. The cover is surmounted by a Buddhist lion seated with its left paw resting on a beribboned brocade ball. The whole is covered in a glaze of sea-green color, Japanese wood box, cloth cover. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art part I, 17 - 18 March 2016, New York