HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)

It is very rare to find a Han-dynasty censer of this type with such elaborate decoration of mythical beasts and immortals, and of such large size, with most examples measuring between 6-7 ins. in diameter. Such Han-dynasty pottery versions were based on contemporary bronze prototypes, such as one in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, illustrated by M. Wang in A Bronze Menagerie: Mat Weights of Early China, Boston, 2006, p. 70, fig. 10.

Another large example, also molded on the sides with mythical creatures and immortals and with bear-form feet, was sold at Christie’s New York, 27 March 2018, lot 21.