Bronze censer with cloisonné enamel, Qing dynasty

A bronze censer that rests on three sturdy rounded feet, similar to the legs of an animal. It has a globular, flattened body, on top of which are two flat, sinuous, upright handles with a rectangular hollow inside. It narrows at the shoulders, where it has a short neck that ends in a slightly flared mouth. Made of gilded bronze, it is decorated with a rich cloisonné enamel on a sky-blue background, covered with a network of filigree and curved flowering coloured branches. The inscription ‘乾隆年制 本’ is on the base, under a reserve.

This type of censers, known as ‘Judge's Ear Censers’ follow the classical models made during the Southern Song dynasty, and owe their name to the ears that adorned the ancient imperial crown. They have an auspicious meaning of growth, triumph and ascent.

Height: 14 cm, Width between handles: 15 cm; Largest diameter: 8 cm; Mouth diameter: 5 cm.

Weight: 754 g 

Provenance:

- French private collection.