Carved jade censer ‘Beasts’, Qing dynasty

Jade of a dark greenish hue, with reddish tabby patches. It has a circular base on which is placed a deep body with a curved profile, flanked by two handles in the shape of a mythical beast, from which hang two movable washers. Crowning the piece and covering the mouth is a concave lid. The exterior of the piece is decorated entirely with reliefs depicting fiercely expressive taotie masks with wide noses, large eyes and archaic patterns. Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Height: 13 cm; Width: 22.8 cm

Weight: 2176 g