China, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912). The tripodal censer in the shape of an ancient Chinese ‘ding’ ritual vessel with a partially open-worked lid for the smoke to escape. The three feet are adorned with gilt lion heads and there is rich gilding throughout. The censer is worked with bright blue and colored enamels showing archaic designs and taotie masks on the two flaring handles.
Condition: Good condition with expected surface wear and minor manufacturing flaws. Provenance: Australian private collection, acquired by the present owner’s father in the 1990s, the previous owner being a British gentleman who relocated to Western Australia in 1960s.