Vintage Cloisonné Enamel Censer With Lion Head Handles

Details

Description

This striking vintage cloisonné enamel censer (incense burner) is a vibrant display piece. The rounded, bowl-shaped body sits on a … Read more This striking vintage cloisonné enamel censer (incense burner) is a vibrant display piece. The rounded, bowl-shaped body sits on a flat base and is flanked by two prominent, cast metal lion head (or guardian lion) appliqués serving as handles. The body features a bright turquoise blue enamel ground, decorated with an intricate, continuous pattern of scrolling wirework. The design is embellished with colorful enamel flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and pink, along with green leafy vines. A prominent red, stylized "Shou" (longevity) character is centered on the front. The rim is finished with a thick, gilded metal band, and the top edge is decorated with a border of white and red lappets. The flat base is also glazed in turquoise blue and features a central, raised rectangular cartouche with a maker's mark. The interior of the censer is unglazed metal with a natural, aged patina.

Dimensions:

Length (Width): 23 cm (approx. 9.06 inches)

Width (Depth): 19 cm (approx. 7.48 inches)

Height: 16 cm (approx. 6.30 inches)

Weight: Approximately 3.35 kg (approx. 7.39 lbs)

Maker's Mark:
The base features a raised, rectangular gilded cartouche with a four-character seal mark in a stylized script. It appears to read "大明宣德" (Da Ming Xuande), a common apocryphal mark used as a tribute to the classic Ming Dynasty style. See less