20th-century Chinese tripod censer ceramic

This item is a Chinese Tripod Incense Burner (Censer), often referred to in Chinese as a Xianglu (香炉).

• Structure: It is a globular-shaped vessel with a removable lid and a tripod base. The three legs are designed as elephant heads, a rare and auspicious characteristic in Chinese culture representing strength, peace, and good fortune (known as Taiping You Xiang).

• Handles: The sides feature twin handles also shaped like elephant masks, which add a sense of dignity and grace to the piece.

• Decoration: The body is decorated with iron-red and gilt (gold) enamel. This specific color palette was popular from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

• Scene: The central medallion depicts a traditional Chinese landscape with figures, likely representing scholars or a family in a garden, a common theme in Famille Rose and export-style porcelain.

• Function: Traditionally used for burning incense during rituals, ceremonies, or as a decorative "scholar's object" for a private altar. The lid would have perforations to allow smoke to escape.

Height : 21cm

Width : 16cm

Depth : 16cm