Dimensions: 4-7/8" H x 10-1/4" W

Superb, Chinese Qing Dynasty Period, Qianlong imperial dragon gilt bronze censer. Finest gilt bronze carved in thick and sturdy, compressed globular body, slight banded to neck upward flaring opening mouth rim, raised on slight short round concave foot base, emerging two imperial dragon looped handles flanked on the collar to the rim with detail of dragon scale and fin.
The main body carved in snarling huge imperial five claws dragon careening through cumulus clouds above thrashing Li-Shui waves in a gilt fine color dragon squama rounded the censer to chasing flaming pearl amidst flames. The foot base rim carved with trashing Lishui wavy water, and the collar carved in scrolling interlocking ruyi and tendril. Dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, eternity, Yang and Yin, male vigor and fecundity, the Li-Shui wave pattern which is known to be the abode of dragons. The dragon is also the most important of the four super natural creatures in Chinese mythology, ranked with the Phoenix, the Qilin, and the Tortoise. The dragon is also the symbol of the month March, of Spring and of rebirth and fertility for it brings the rain bearing clouds of spring. When shown with the heavenly pearl, sometimes ball, it represents thunder and the storm. Emblem of vigilance and safety, and frequently associated with the idea of joy. The gilt bronze conformed all required specimen to be high valued Chinese bronze wares, with finest material, the gilt, the glaze, the carving, and the shape. Without overlap the outlines of the design, well carved, clear, subtle, and distinct. The bronze is bright and lustrous as the light is easily reflected from the well-polished surfaces. Excellent craftsmanship is evident in the fine detail giving this piece an unforgettable appearance.

Mark on under base, a four engraved script characters reign mark, Qianlong Reign Period.

Over all in EXCELLENT condition. With normal anomalies in nature, sign of stressed surface, minor scratch & dents. Surface traced wear and or declined to gilding. Normal, consider ages and wear.
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