East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 17th to early 18th century CE. A wonderful brass censer exhibiting a compressed body and a flared rim, all sitting upon three bulbous legs with petite feet. A pair of elegant loop handles flank the vessel, each presenting in the form of a dragon with the front and hind legs perched on the rim of the dish and the slender body arching upwards. Both of their sinuous tails coil behind them along the exterior wall of the dish. The fantastical beasts display lengthy, incised beards, long snouts, broad noses, heavy brows, perky ears, and coiffures comprised of four tapered tufts of hair. The heads of the ferocious animals are turned upwards towards the rim, at acute angles, perhaps to appear as though they are lighting the censer when with their incendiary breath when it is being used. Size: 12.25" in diameter x 7.125" H (31.1 cm x 18.1 cm)

The underside of the fascinating vessel is adorned with an elaborate relief tondo of two additional dragons surrounding a pair of symbols that serve as a commendation mark. Commendation marks or aspirational marks are commonly found on Chinese vessels and either refer to the destination or ownership of an object or carry a message of praise or good wishes.

Dragons have been part of Chinese culture for at least 7,000 years. In China, dragons have traditionally symbolized auspicious powers involving control over rainfall, water, floods, and typhoons. Dragons are mythological symbols of good luck, strength, and power as well as the seasonal cycles and the supernatural. Dragons were displayed as a sign of physical and spiritual protection!

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York USA circa 1965

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#163622

Chips to rim. Expected nicks throughout and abraded area to interior, both commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with wonderful patina.