Lot 1347. A Dehua inscribed censer, 17th century; 5 ½ in. (14 cm.) wide across handles. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.

The bombé body is raised on a spreading foot and inscribed on one side with a five-character inscription hua xiang ling ren you (the fragrance from flowers tranquilizes people) between the two lion-mask handles. The base is impressed with a four-character seal probably reading zun gu zhe xiang (follow the ancient tradition of [burning] incense). The censer is covered overall with a glaze of ivory tone that falls short of the base of the interior.

Provenance: Collection of a gentleman of title, England.