YONGLE INCISED SIX-CHARACTER PRESENTATION MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1403-1424)

In Buddhist practices, the present stand is probably used for the support of a conch shell, an offering bowl or a kapala, and placed on altar tables. Compare to two other similar stands, one (13.5 cm. high) is illustrated in Chinese Imperial Patronage, Treasures from Temples and Palaces, vol. II, Christopher Bruckner, Asian Art Gallery, London, no. 4; where it is illustrated with a similarly sized cloisonne enamel example dating to circa 1400, no. 5; and another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31 May 2017, lot 2806. Compare also related upright dragon supports forming the base of a pair of Ming dynasty candlesticks as part of a garniture set, included in the exhibition, A Special Exhibition of Buddhist Gilt Votive Objects, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1995, and illustrated in the Catalogue, p. 96, pl. 16-2-3.