incense-burner; tripod BM-1931-0414.1-2

Period:Unknown Production date:1736-1795
Materials:enamel
Technique:cloisonné (enamelling)
Subjects:mammal bird dragon landscape
Dimensions:Diameter: 55 centimetres Height: 101.50 centimetres

Description:
Pair of large ceremonial covered vessels (incense burners) of tripod form, with three cranes acting as legs. High, curving handles and a domed openwork cover surmounted by a knob with dragons in relief. Decoration of cranes and deer in a landscape. Made of cloisonné enamel.
IMG


Comments:Rawson 1992:Qing dynasty cloisonné vessels often have gilded bronze additions such as elephant-shaped legs, curling dragon-shaped knobs, and spouts. The bright enamel colours, combined with gilt bronze, made cloisonne an attarctive medium for imposing ritual vessels and paraphernalia, as well as for large palace utensils such as ice boxes, fish bowl, incense burners and wash basins. See also BM 1991.0328.1.