Important Qianlong Cloisonné Censer

This censer is elaborately made to show the luxurious tradition of Qianlong era.  Its dome shape cover has a large gilt Buddhist lion as finial.  The cover itself is made in two sections:  the upper section is cloisonne with a floral pattern that is common during Qianlong reign; the lower section wide base of well carved perforated gilt flowers and branches.  The main body has two handles on eah side, in the form of Gui dragon (Gui Long) heads, with a Buddhist flower branch rises from the dragon mouth.  Gui dragons always have a flower sprouting from their mouth and are popular porcelain decoration motif from Ming Dynasty Chenghau period to Qianlong period.  The main body forms a shallow to contain incense and is decorated with interconnecting Buddhists flowers and branches.  It is supported by 3 stout feet, in the form of a head of an auspicious Buddhist lion.  Immediately blow the lion head the foot turns into a elephant hoof with four toes.  In Buddhism, an elephant is considered an auspicious animal.  The imagination and creativity of the imperial artist is indeed very admirable.  A square mark" Qianlong Nien Zhi" (made during Qianlong reign) is sculptured on the outer base.  A silk strip stick to the inside has a statement written in black ink that it was set for use in Qian Chin Gon (hall) of the Forbidden City during the 38th year of Qianlong reign.  Qian Chin Hall was venue that Emperor meet his subordinates.  Due to more than 250 years exposure to the environment, the enamels have lost their shine and are mellow, and a very small spot of the red flower near a handle has lost.

​​​​​​​Size:  10 in. (25 cm) h x 9 1/2 in. (24 cm.) w

Provenance: From an important California collector, whose grandfather was a major antique dealer during late Qing Dynasty and early Republic, and was a patron of painters Wu Changshuo and Huang Binhong