A FINE THREE-LEGGED CLOISONNE ENAMEL INCENSE BURNER WITH ELEPHANTS
A FINE THREE-LEGGED CLOISONNE ENAMEL INCENSE BURNER WITH ELEPHANTS
Enamel cloisonné with gilding
China, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong to 19th century
Outstanding quality of the ornamental, superior workmanship of this incense vessel lu. It is standing on three legs, which are remarkably crafted as gilded heads of elephants. The cup-formed vessel corpus and domed lid are enamel cloisonné in a light blue base tone with lotus blossom and tendril motifs, the blossoms respectively in alternating colors. All around the straight opening is leiwen meander. On the lid, over the enamel zone is a domed, open-worked, in repoussé crafted and partly gilded section, upon which an elephant is reclining. Called xiang in China, it is completely gilded and decorated. It is a symbol of wisdom and vitality, also of longevity. The animal wears a decorative valance, on the back a lotus blossom with delicacies. The elephant (heads) are partly embellished with ornamental stones. Both handles are also elephant heads with highly arched trunks.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 21.9 CM
Condition: Good condition
Provenance: Austrian private collection