Foo Lion-shaped censer - Bronze, Enamel - Asia - 1900's

Large Chinese Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Censer or Planter on Stand, probably the base or stand of a vase or urn.

Asia, circa 1900

A substantial and finely decorated oriental censer or planter, consisting of two separate parts: the vessel and its matching circular stand.

The heavily cast body is made of dark patinated bronze and modelled in the form of a mythical guardian lion, or Foo dog, with curled mane details, hanging ears and expressive eyes. The vessel rests on six short claw feet. Around the upper rim is a broad band of colourful cloisonné enamel, decorated with flowering prunus branches against a turquoise ground. The interior is fitted with a removable brass liner, allowing the piece to be used either as a censer or as a planter.

The vessel is supported by a matching circular, stepped bronze stand with an open centre. The stand is decorated with engraved geometric patterns and several bands of finely executed cloisonné enamel in blue, red, green and white, complementing the decoration of the main body.

An impressive and substantial decorative object, weighing approximately 10.6 kg.

Materials:
Patinated bronze, brass and cloisonné enamel.

Dimensions:
H 43.5 × W 37 cm

Weight:
Approximately 10.6 kg.

Condition:
A section of the smoke emmited by one guardian lion is missing. The censer has several dents, with wear and signs of age throughout. There are also minor losses to sections of the cloisonné enamel inlay. Please examine the photographs carefully for a full impression of the condition.

The written condition report is indicative only; the photographs provide the definitive and binding description of the item's condition.

Shipping:
The censer and stand will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance.