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Lot Essay
The gui, a covered food container originating in the Shang dynasty, gained significant popularity during the Western Zhou period. It is believed that the Ming dynasty cloisonné enamel censer was likely influenced by the Western Zhou bronzes of this type.
The intricate lotus scroll pattern of this censer is a quintessential design from the Ming dynasty cloisonné tradition. However, the inclusion of the eight Buddhist emblems and the makara handles makes this piece exceptionally rare. The makara, also known as a kui dragon, is a dragon-like creature with a distinct split and foliated tail, often depicted with a floral scroll emerging from its mouth. Originating in India, it arrived in China via Nepal and Tibet during the Yuan period. Its presence on early- and mid-Ming cloisonné pieces is well-documented.
For reference, see the cloisonné 'makara' deep bowl, dating from the 15th to early 16th century, sold at Christie's New York on September 18, 2014 (lot 606) for USD 2,629,000. A comparable cloisonné gui featuring lotus scroll decoration and dragon handles, dating from the mid-15th century, can be found in the Uldry Collection, as illustrated by H. Brinker and A. Lutz in Chinesisches Cloisonne Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Museum Rietberg, Zürich, 1985, plate 18.
The intricate lotus scroll pattern of this censer is a quintessential design from the Ming dynasty cloisonné tradition. However, the inclusion of the eight Buddhist emblems and the makara handles makes this piece exceptionally rare. The makara, also known as a kui dragon, is a dragon-like creature with a distinct split and foliated tail, often depicted with a floral scroll emerging from its mouth. Originating in India, it arrived in China via Nepal and Tibet during the Yuan period. Its presence on early- and mid-Ming cloisonné pieces is well-documented.
For reference, see the cloisonné 'makara' deep bowl, dating from the 15th to early 16th century, sold at Christie's New York on September 18, 2014 (lot 606) for USD 2,629,000. A comparable cloisonné gui featuring lotus scroll decoration and dragon handles, dating from the mid-15th century, can be found in the Uldry Collection, as illustrated by H. Brinker and A. Lutz in Chinesisches Cloisonne Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Museum Rietberg, Zürich, 1985, plate 18.