Longquan wares refer to the Chinese celadon-glazed ceramics produced in southwestern Zhejiang province from the Song dynasty (960-1279) through to the Yuan dynasty (1260-1368) and the Ming dynasty (1364-1644). These ceramics were used at court and were much admired by the literati for their beautiful glazes, inspired by the unctuous celadon tones of jade. Longquan celadons were also traded with other nations including Europe. These ceramics were made in many shapes and the form of this censer is based on an archaic bronze. It is interesting to note that the interior of the censer shows a partially glazed plug that may have originally formed part of a saggar used in the kiln firing.

Literature:
A slightly smaller Longquan censer of comparable form and decorated with a scrolling leafy design is in the National Palace Museum, Taipei and is illustrated in Green - Longquan Celadon of the Ming Dynasty, National Palace Museum, Taiwan, 2009, no. 124, p226.