HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-221 AD)

The cover of this hill censer depicts the mystical overlapping peaks of Mount Peng, regarded in Han dynasty Daoist tradition as a paradise realm for the spirits of immortals. Perhaps due to the popularity of this motif, there are several comparable Han dynasty censers; see the British Museum collection hill censer, (Museum no. 1936,1118.52) of similar simple stem-goblet form. Another example was sold at Christie's London, 10 November 2015, lot 3. For an extensive discussion on the history and symbolism of the 'hill' censer, see Jessica Rawson, 'The Chinese Hill Censer, boshan lu : A Note on Origins, Influences and Meanings', Art Asiatiques, 2006, Vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 75-86.