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Lot Essay
Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of detecting truth. Due to this unique quality, censers of this form were appreciated by powerful authorities and were often placed beside or in front of the imperial throne to symbolise the fairness and perspicacity of the ruler. Compare with a smaller gilt-splashed bronze luduan-form censer dated to the 17th/18th century, sold by Christie's Hong Kong, 1 June 2011, lot 2862