Provenance
Robert McPherson Antiques, Cambridge, stock no. 23557.
Marc Michot, Bruges.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above in 2007 and accompanied by a copy of their certificate of authenticity. (see added scan)
Description
Finely modelled as Liu Hai’s mythical three-legged toad, this rare blue and white porcelain censer belongs to the celebrated group of wares known as Ko-sometsuke, produced at the kilns of Jingdezhen specifically for the Japanese market between the 1620s and approximately 1645. The emergence of these wares coincided with the growing popularity of the Japanese tea ceremony, which created a demand for a wide variety of specialised utensils and stimulated the flourishing trade in Chinese porcelain destined for Japan.
The censer is formed as a crouching three-legged toad standing upon an oval base, its body carefully moulded with rounded ridges and naturalistic contours. The surface is richly painted in vibrant cobalt blue with floral motifs reserved in white against a densely seeded ground. The eyes and nostrils are pierced, while five apertures on the creature’s back, arranged to resemble the markings of a Chinese cash coin, allowed fragrant incense smoke to escape when the vessel was in use. The textured base evokes rocky terrain or flowing water, reinforcing the mythical nature of the subject.
Representations of Liu Hai’s three-legged toad are closely associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune in Chinese tradition, making this rare censer both an object of practical use and a powerful auspicious symbol.
Reference:
A very similar example was sold with Bonham`s, London, 11th November 2002, lot 239. (sold GBP 17.000)
Lot 10
Ming, ca. 1620-1630
Dim: 12,6 x 10,1 x 13,4 cm
Estimation
€ 20.000,00 – € 40.000,00
Provenance
Robert McPherson Antiques, Cambridge, stock no. 23557.
Marc Michot, Bruges.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above in 2007 and accompanied by a copy of their certificate of authenticity. (see added scan)