Lot 252. A large blue and white 'Dragon' censer, Ming dynasty Wanli period, dated 1611. 26 cm, 10 1/4  in. Estimate 2,000 — 3,000 GBP. Lot sold 8,125 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the cylindrical body rising to an inverted dished rim, painted with a pair of dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls above mountain peaks and crashing waves divided by three moulded mythical beast heads, separated by two inscribed cartouches with a date, place of manufacture and dedication.

Provenance: Collection of P.J. Donnelly.

Literature: Sheila Riddell, Dated Chinese Antiquities 600-1650, London, 1979, fig. 82, p. 102.

Note: A slightly smaller censer dated 1637, was included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Radiant Ming 1368-1644 through the Min Chiu Society Collection, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong, 2015, cat. no. 281.

Sotheby's. St George Street Sale: Chinese Art, London, 10 Nov 2017, 10:00 AM