Lot 2211. A Ming blue and white tripod censer, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 10 in. (25.5 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000. Price realised HKD 125,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2012

The censer of cylindrical form has the body decorated in relief with the eight trigrams below bands of floral and ruyi-shaped lappets separated by a bowstring band. Around the base is a border of floral scrolls interrupted by three lion-mask cabriole legs. The interior and base are unglazed, Japanese wood box.

Provenance: A Japanese private collection, Nara, 1960s 

Note: The decoration of the eight trigrams in relief is comparatively rare on censers of this type, which are more commonly decorated with figures. See one such example sold at Sotheby's London, 10 November 2004, lot 598.