Page 198 - Christie's Important Chinese Works of Art, May 31 to June 1, 2023 Hong Kong

3110
A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL LUDUAN-FORM CENSER

KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
The censer is cast in the form of the mythical beast luduan standing foursquare on gilt-bronze
clawed feet, the body is applied with cloisons emulating fur and filled with bright enamels.
The face has a jovial expression with an open snarl exposing the fangs and all surmounted by
a gilt-bronze single horn. The hindquarters are applied with a removable bushy tail.
6Ω in. (16.3 cm.) high

HK$400,000-600,000 US$52,000-77,000
Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of distinguishing
between good and evil. Because of these qualities, censers 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. In this function a larger pair of cloisonné enamel censers of this form can be
seen in situ in a photograph of the throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony illustrated in Palaces of
the Forbidden City, Hong Kong, 1986, pp. 66-7.

清康熙 銅胎掐絲琺琅甪端式香爐

(another view 另一面)

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