Lot 1648. A rare Longquan celadon candle holder, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century; 9 1/8 in. (23.1 cm.) high. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 50,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011 

The ovoid upper section raised on a pierced pedestal foot and carved in openwork with three differently decorated bands, the middle section molded with chrysanthemum scroll between cell diaper below and foliate scroll and an everted barbed mouth rim above, covered overall in an unctuous sea-green glaze.

Provenance: Bluett & Sons, London, 1929.
Liddell collection, no. 84.

Note: Openwork Longquan celadon vessels of this type are very rare. A very similar Longquan celadon example is illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, pp. 474-5, no. 16:34, where it is dated c. 1450-1550. As the vessel is pierced, the author suggests that it might have contained incense, or have been a brush pot. She also notes that a vessel of the same form, without openwork, is in the Eisei Bunko, Japan, and another with openwork only in the upper band is in the Itsuo Bijitsukan, Japan.

Openwork vessel with stand and green glaze, Ming dynasty, circa 1450-1550, Longquan ware, celadon-glazed, Height: 22.3 cm. Donated by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks (Franks.1666). © The Trustees of the British Museum