Asta Bidspirit | Old Bronze Incense Burner (Censer)

Old Bronze Incense Burner (Censer) – Mythological Buddhist Lion Figure (Foo Dog / Pixiu), China - Old incense burner (censer). The piece is sculpted entirely from heavy, quality bronze in the form of the sacred Buddhist lion (also known as the Foo Dog or Pixiu). In Chinese feng shui tradition, this mythological creature symbolizes protection against negative energies, the attraction of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity to the home. The lion's sculpted head, with its curling mane and powerful expression, serves as a removable lid. The lion's mouth is wide open with tongue protruding — a traditional architectural design that allows smoke from incense burned inside to rise and flow through the mouth and through small openings in the sides of the body. Marked on the underside of the base with a stamp framed by a pair of intertwined Chinese dragons — a distinctly imperial symbol denoting the style and quality of the bronzework (in the style of the Ming/Qing dynasties). The bronze has a warm, deep golden-brown tone with a beautiful natural patina. Height: 10 cm. 528 g. In very good condition, with original and complete patina, no repairs or structural flaws.