An unusual Chinese blue and white 'Cockerel' censer and cover, Ming Dynasty, Tianqi or Chongzhen period (1621-1643), modelled in the form of a standing cockerel on a reticulated mound, the detachable head turned to its left, 17.2cm high, Japanese wood box Provenance: Bought by Colonel W. R. Hodgson in Tokyo in the early 1950's on the advice of Professor Fujio Koyama (小山冨士夫) of Tokyo National Museum and by direct descent to the current owner. This cockerel was inspected by Sir Harry M Garner (1891 - 1977), the Hon Secretary of the Oriental Ceramic Society from 1951-1967, and President from 1967-1971, and Hugh Shire of the OCS. In a letter from Hugo Shire to the owner, dated 26th February 1968, he comments, 'Many thanks for offering the Swatow bowl and the cock. The final decision of course rests with the committee but I have very little doubt that our views will prevail, unless the others are in a truculent mood!' They were making selections for the 1971 OCS Exhibition. However, in this instance, as it was not selected, it would appear the committee was in a 'truculent mood' 明天启/崇祯 青花镂空鸡型香炉 拍品来源：W. R. Hodgson 上校于上世纪五十年代在日本知名的宋瓷学者、东洋陶瓷学会委员长小山富士夫教授指导下于东京所购