Details
20.2 cm. (8 in.) diam.
Provenance
With Mallett & Son, Bath, 2 December 1911 (invoice).
The Reginald and Lena Palmer Collection, no. (X)181 (according to label).
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Lot Essay

Incense burners of this type, distinguished by their refined design and intricate openwork, were essential furnishings within the Qing palace. They served a dual function: practically, to diffuse fragrant smoke that purified the air and repelled insects; and symbolically, to evoke an atmosphere of tranquil immortality. The rising incense smoke filtering through the auspicious cranes would have heightened the ritual ambience. For a comparable example, see a Kangxi famille verte parfumier decorated with chilong, with stand, in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing (inv. no. gu00148287).

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