Lot 337.  A large 'Cizhou' white tripod incense burner, Late Ming dynasty, 15.7cm., 6 1/4 in. Estimate 500— 700 GBP. Lot sold 1,250 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's

the compressed globular body with short waisted neck and broad everted rim all supported on three splayed legs issuing from monster masks, applied around the exterior with a pair of freely modelled sinuous dragons in mutual pursuit of a flaming pearl, covered overall with a creamy-white slip and opaque glaze.

Literature: Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, pl. 513.

Sotheby's. Masterpieces of Chinese Precious Metalwork, Early Gold and Silver; Early Chinese White, Green and Black Wares London, 14 May 2008