Features
◆ Enamel on a copper body, metal and colour setting each other off
The most distinctive part of the body is the enamel decoration. A metal body forms the base, with blue-green enamel motifs added over it, so the piece has both the weight of metal and the bright colour of enamel. This combination of materials is more splendid than a plain copper incense burner, and has more of a metalworker's quality than a purely ceramic one.
◆ Cloisonné-style colouring, strongly Eastern and classical
The body of the burner shows a great deal of blue, blue-green, white and brown-red. The blue-green in particular stands out sharply against the bronze ground, giving the decorative beauty typical of cloisonné. Placed on dark wood furniture, the colours will stand out further still.
◆ An auspicious-beast finial, with clear auspicious meaning
The top of the cover is not an ordinary round knob but a modelled auspicious beast. In traditional East Asian art such beasts are given meanings of protection, drawing in blessings, warding off evil and good omen. So besides its use for incense, this piece also suits display as an auspicious object.
◆ Tortoiseshell pattern on the cover, a symbol of long life and good fortune
A repeating hexagonal tortoiseshell pattern can be seen on the surface of the cover. In Eastern culture the tortoise has long stood for long life and stability, and the tortoiseshell pattern has often been used on traditional objects, textiles and architectural ornament. This detail means the cover still has plenty of pattern even without much colour.
◆ Symmetrical handles, an upright form
The two handles curl outwards in a curve. This design is not only practical; it also widens the horizontal proportions of the piece, so the burner looks more solid and substantial.
◆ A tripod design, immediately recognisable as a classical incense burner
It stands on three feet below, a very classic form in both Chinese and Japanese traditional incense burners. The three feet lift the vessel slightly off the table, and together with the round body and the pair of handles give very complete classical incense-burner proportions.
◆ Intricate scrolling-vine and ruyi ornament
The enamel design on the body is not simply blocks of colour but is made up of several symmetrical groups of scrolling vine, ruyi and geometric motifs. The lines run continuously into one another, so the body shows a complete pattern from whichever direction it is seen.