Lot 3021
3021
A VERY RARE LARGE LACQUER-LINED BAMBOO-WEAVE THREE-TIERED DOUBLE-GOURD BOX
A VERY RARE LARGE LACQUER-LINED BAMBOO-WEAVE THREE-TIERED DOUBLE-GOURD BOX
A VERY RARE LARGE LACQUER-LINED BAMBOO-WEAVE THREE-TIERED DOUBLE-GOURD BOX
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A BRONZE LUDUAN-FORM CENSER

MID-MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

Details
A BRONZE LUDUAN-FORM CENSER
MID-MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY
The beast is superbly cast seated on its haunches, wearing a collar with a double-gourd and two locks of hair in high relief, a snake slithering up through its clawed front paws to its rotund body cast with swirls and ruyi clouds on the sides. The separate head is modelled with bulging eyes and a snout-like nose, the mane is represented by ruyi clouds and a single horn in the form of a ruyi.
7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) long

Lot Essay

Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of distinguishing between good and evil. Because of these qualities, incense burners of this form were placed beside or in front of the imperial throne to emphasise that the emperor, protected by these animals, was a virtuous and intelligent ruler.

The result of Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence test no. C113m14 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

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