a 'longquan' celadon tripod censer Southern Song dynasty

the truncated globular body supported on three slightly splayed legs, the shoulder with a horizontal rib intersecting vertical flanges associated with each leg, rising to a cylindrical neck and a curved everted rim, applied throughout with an unctuous sea-green glaze thinning to a pale green at the ridges, the bottom of each leg left unglazed revealing the pale ware burnt russet-orange in the firing

There is a tiny triangular chip to the rim approximately 1/4 inch wide. The three small vents associated with each leg are visible on the bottom of the interior. Inspected under UV light, revealing two hairline cracks to the interior well. There is also a hairline crack and associated smaller cracks running around the bottom of the exterior where it curves to the base. In otherwise good condition with two tiny flecks of kiln grit. The color on the catalogue image is slightly lighter than the piece itself.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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'Longquan' celadon incense burners of these classic elegant proportions, based on archaic bronze tripods (li), are characteristic of the Southern Song period, although it is rare to find one of such fine color, often referred to as kinuta by the Japanese. Celadon vessels of this form have been treasured and collects ed in Japan, where several examples are in historic collects ions. A celadon censer preserved in the Engakuji, a temple near Kamakura, Japan, which has been designated an 'Important Cultural Property' is illustrated in Chugoku no toji, vol. 4, Tokyo, 1997, col. pl. 67.

Another similar censer, in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum collects ion, is published in Longquan Celadon of China, Hangzhou, 1998, pl. 73; and another is included in Celadons from the Longquan Kilns, Taipei, 1998, pl. 120. Compare also a vessel excavated at Lijiashan, Longquan county, published in line drawing in Jan Wirgin, Sung Ceramic Designs, Stockholm, 1970, fig. 30 (17); and a Southern Song shard from a censer of this type collects ed at Longquan in 1960, included in the exhibition Kiln Sites of Ancient China, Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1980, cat.no. 97.

A 'Longquan' censer of the same size and form, from the Cunliffe collects ion, was sold in our London rooms, 29th October 1957, lot 89; another from the Muwen Tang collects ion, was also sold in our London rooms, 12th November 2003, lot 90; and a third slightly smaller censer with a later Japanese pierced metal cover by Joueki Nakagawa, was sold in these rooms, 30th March 2006, lot 28.