A RARE BLANC DE-CHINE DOCUMENTARY LAMP AND BASEIncised date 22nd year of the Kangxi reign, corresponding to 1683 and of the period Thepressed globular body raised on a small circular foot, the centre in the interior fitted with a tapering conical holder with an aperture at its base, the separate stand with three apertures, incised to the exterior with a dated inscription. 17cm (6 5/8in) overall high. (2). 清康熙，一六八三年 德化白釉燈罩 Provenance : Paul Brandt, Amsterdam Published and Illustrated : M.Penkala, Magic Blanc de Chine: A Guide for the Collector and Dealer , Schiedam, 1980, pl.XXV 來源 ：荷蘭阿姆斯特丹Paul Brandt 出版著錄 ：M.Penkala著，《Magic Blanc de Chine, A Guide for the Collector and Dealer》，荷蘭斯希丹，1980年，圖版XXV The inscription may be translated as follows: 'Wuchang from Sasan town and believer Wu Chang places (this lamp) at the tail (of the boat) to suppress (wind and waves). We have made a wish in front of the incense burner (or lamp) to the Immortal Goddess (Mazu) to pray for peace and safeness. And the wish is granted, hence we thank her with this (water)pot. On the auspicious day of the 11th month in the 22nd year of the Kangxi period'. pare with a similar but smaller example without inscription illustrated by R.H.Blumenfield, Blanc de Chine: The Great Porcelain of Dehua , Hong Kong 2002, no.35A. Another example is illustrated by P.J.Donnelly, Blanc de Chine , London 1969, pl.40A. The Goddess Mazu referred to in the text is the most worped Goddess of the sea, protector of seamen and sailors, and capable of protecting them from storms and other water-related calamities. Mazu was particularly revered in Fujian Province (where Dehua is located, and the present lot was made), which as a coastal Province, had strong sea-faring traditions. These pieces were probably intended to be placed on an altar in a temple dedicated to Mazu. Apart from the use as an oil lamp they could also have functioned as a waterpot or incense burner.