A RARE TURQUOISE-INSET GILT-BRONZE LUDUAN-FORM CENSER

QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A RARE TURQUOISE-INSET GILT-BRONZE LUDUAN-FORM CENSER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
The standing mythical beast is cast with the bifurcated tail curling inwards. The head is raised upwards with bulging eyes and an open mouth. The scaly body is decorated with floral designs inlaid with turquoise.
9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm.) high

Provenance

From a private American collection.
With Dragon House, San Francisco, 1980s.

Brought to you by

Cherrei Yuan Tian

ytian@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2571

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 symbolise that the emperor, protected by these animals, was a virtuous and intelligent ruler.

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