GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a superb antique Chinese Qing Dynasty silver Lu or Incense Burner, with dragon motif, from Hebei Province, China.  China has often been called an “incense culture” because of its prevalent use in a broad range of cultural activities, including religious ceremonies, ancestor veneration, medicine, and in daily life. Evidence of incense-burning in China exists from Neolithic times. It's popularity, however, seems to mirror the rise of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties. Unlike its present-day use in Western society, incense in China has its origin in a number of venerated traditions: Chinese nobles and rich landowners scented their clothes to denote their social status; Scholars regarded incense burning as one of the Four Arts, along with flower arranging, tea-whisking, and painting; and common people burned incense while praying as a tribute to heaven and to purify their homes. In China, incense has historically been burned in a “censer” or incense burner called a Xianglu (Xiang means with incense and Lu means brazier, stove or furnace). Censers are variously made from silver, bronze, copper, porcelain, or stone. All Chinese incense burners perform the same function, but their style and design can vary greatly. Originally, ancient bowls like the ceramic dou or three-legged bronze ding had been adapted as vessels to hold ceremonial offerings, and eventually became the prototypes for incense holders. In general, censers from the early period are simpler in design, becoming more ornate through each ensuing dynasty as new materials and manufacturing processes were discovered. This superb silver with gold wash incense burner features the legendary Chinese dragon. The Chinese dragon is comparable as the symbol of the Chinese race itself, and Chinese around the world, proudly proclaim themselves "Lung Tik Chuan Ren" (Descendents of the Dragon), symbolizing as it does power and excellence, valiance and boldness, heroism and perseverance, nobility and divinity. The censer measures 7.5 inches in width by 2.5 inches in depth by 4 inches in height (19.0 cm by 6.35 cm by 10.1 cm). It is in very good condition and shows wear consistent with a dating to the late-19th century. A fine collector’s piece for anyone interested in Chinese incense burners, or Chinese decorative arts in general. It is guaranteed authentic.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. AddGJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

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