KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

Details

A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL LUDUAN-FORM CENSER
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
The censer is cast in the form of the mythical beast luduan standing foursquare on gilt-bronze clawed feet, the body is applied with cloisons emulating fur and filled with bright enamels. The face has a jovial expression with an open snarl exposing the fangs and all surmounted by a gilt-bronze single horn. The hindquarters are applied with a removable bushy tail.
6 1/2 in. (16.3 cm.) high

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Lot Essay

Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of distinguishing between good and evil. Because of these qualities, censers 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. In this function a larger pair of cloisonné enamel censers of this form can be seen in situ in a photograph of the throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony illustrated in Palaces of the Forbidden City, Hong Kong, 1986, pp. 66-7.

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