Censer. China, Qing dynasty, 1644-1912.

Archaizing censer. China, Qing dynasty, 1644-1912.
In carved jade.
Measurements: 30 x 23 x 9 cm.
Chinese archaizing censer in carved jade made in polychrome jade with green, honey and brown tones, it presents an elaborated work of carving with taotie archaizing motifs and vegetal scrolls, inspired by the ritual bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The body, fretworked on all four sides, rests on four turned legs and is flanked by side handles in the form of stylized dragons.
The lid, also richly carved, ends in a zoomorphic figure representing a mythological bird or phoenix, symbol of longevity and prosperity.