A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CENSER
Ming dynasty
early 15th century AD
China
The large circular censer is supported on three cabriole leg bracket feet, and is flanked on either side by a pair of strap handles. The body of the censer is decorated against a turquoise ground with large multi coloured lotus flowers arranged in a single row - each linked and surrounded by scrolling leaves. A single flower and leaves are found on each leg - with further flowers on the handles. The latter have a key fret design in gilded wire work against a lapis blue ground on each side. The interior is plain.
Width: 12 ¾" / 32.2 cm
Similar examples:
'Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels' by Sir Harry Garner, Faber and Faber, London 1970 - fig. 15. This example in the collection of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris lacks its original handles; they were replaced (in 17th century) in gilt bronze.
However, Garner remarks that it is one of the finest 15th century examples - and acknowledges that the mounts are not contemporary. Another example was sold at Christie's Hong Kong Imperial sale on 30th April 2000. The piece was mounted with replacement feet and handles in gilt bronze.
A leaf from the anonymous colour on silk album 'A Life Portrait of the Emperor Yungzheng' in the Palace Museum, Beijing, shows that these censers were used without covers - being filled with sand, into which incense sticks were placed.
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