Chinese Incense Burner
DateQing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
Object NameIncense Burner
Mediumbronze
ClassificationsApplied Art
Dimensions15 × 6.5cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1968 by Miss V Thomson.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS000837
About MeThis incense burner is based on the shape of the Ding, an archaic ritual bronze cooking vessel with a globular body, tripod legs and a pair of upright handles.The knob on top of the lid is in the shape of a winged dragon.
The handles are decorated with bearded goat heads.
The Chinese zodiac is a repeating pattern of 12 years with each year represented by an animal. The dragon and goat are two of the calendrical animals.
Censers are any type of vessels made for burning incense. These vessels vary greatly in size, form, and material of construction. They may consist of simple earthenware bowls or fire pots to intricately carved silver or gold vessels, small table top objects a few centimetres tall to as many as several metres high.
In many cultures, burning incense has spiritual and religious connotations, and this influences the design and decoration of the censer.
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
possibly early 20th Century
