Each mythical beast with a scaly body, single horn and gilt claws, cast in bright enamels of turquoise, green, red, black and white tones, their mouths open and teeth bared
7⁵⁄₈ in. (19.5 cm.) high

Acquired by Baron Sir John Henry Schröder (1825-1910) and by descent to Baron Bruno Schroder (1933-2019).

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Benedict WinterAssociate Director, Specialist

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Lot Essay

Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of distinguishing between good and evil. Because of these qualities, incense burners of this form were placed beside or in front of the imperial throne to symbolise that the emperor, protected by these animals, was a virtuous and intelligent ruler. The present lot may be compared to a pair of cloisonné enamel mythical beast censers from the Qianlong period sold Christie's, Paris, 8 December 2021, lot 78.