Ming Wucai Gilt‑Decorated Censer Box with Moulded Chilong and Eight Treasures Motif

拍品描述

Dimensions：H.11 cm，W.16.5 cm Condition & Provenance：Fully intact, natural age‑related gilding wear with minor fading to some gold pigments, glaze well‑kept without cracks or chips, moulded ornaments and enamel colours remain complete, well‑fitted lid‑body joint. Exposed foot rim bears authentic aged clay surface with accumulated soil patina, no restoration, no artificial chemical cleaning; From private collection of Mr.D·K, Trenton, New Jersey, USA. Acquired from local Asian antique dealer in 1981, passed down within family, stored under constant‑temperature dark environment, no prior auction history, no public exhibition or publication records. Description：This Ming‑dynasty wucai gilt‑decorated circular incense box adopts compressed round lidded form with fitted mortise‑and‑tenon rim. Two moulded gilt chilong beasts serve as side handles with vivid three‑dimensional modelling. Lid surface is painted with scrolling cloud patterns in blue and red, embellished with gilded cloud and floral motifs, openwork cut‑outs are reserved for fragrance diffusion. Lower body is divided into petal‑shaped cartouches outlined by red‑blue lines, each compartment holds raised gilded Eight Buddhist Treasures emblems. The inner cavity shows coarse pottery texture with old usage stains. Unglazed base foot presents dry authentic period clay and natural earth patina. Combining multiple techniques including moulding, openwork, wucai polychrome and gilding, this object features rich saturated colours and elaborate craftsmanship. It functions as both incense‑burning implement and decorative display piece, well‑preserved examples of this type are uncommon.

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