Mythical Dragon-Beast Bronze Censer | Chinese | Qing Dynasty | 18th Century

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$1,000.00
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Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
Bronze Qing Dynasty Qilin censer on black museum stand, showing detailed flame-scroll body and open mouth for incense release.
Antique bronze Chi Lin censer, Qing Dynasty era, with raised spine ridges and expressive snarling face, displayed on plinth.
Side view of Chinese Qilin bronze censer with engraved scale pattern and curled whisker detailing, mounted on black base.
Right-side angle of Qing Chinese bronze incense burner shaped as a Qilin, showing muscular haunches and decorative mane.
Qing Dynasty Qilin censer photographed at forward angle, highlighting sculpted horns, bulging eyes, and smoke-vent mouth.
Underside of bronze Qilin censer showing hollow interior, age patina, and wear consistent with ritual incense use.
YouTube video showcasing Qing Dynasty bronze Qilin censer rotating with detailed scale and flame motifs.
  • Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
  • Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
  • Bronze Qing Dynasty Qilin censer on black museum stand, showing detailed flame-scroll body and open mouth for incense release.
  • Antique bronze Chi Lin censer, Qing Dynasty era, with raised spine ridges and expressive snarling face, displayed on plinth.
  • Side view of Chinese Qilin bronze censer with engraved scale pattern and curled whisker detailing, mounted on black base.
  • Right-side angle of Qing Chinese bronze incense burner shaped as a Qilin, showing muscular haunches and decorative mane.
  • Qing Dynasty Qilin censer photographed at forward angle, highlighting sculpted horns, bulging eyes, and smoke-vent mouth.
  • Underside of bronze Qilin censer showing hollow interior, age patina, and wear consistent with ritual incense use.
  • YouTube video showcasing Qing Dynasty bronze Qilin censer rotating with detailed scale and flame motifs.
Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
Chinese bronze censer in the form of a mythical Qilin with detailed scales, flame motifs, and open mouth for incense diffusion, mounted on a black display base.
Bronze Qing Dynasty Qilin censer on black museum stand, showing detailed flame-scroll body and open mouth for incense release.
Antique bronze Chi Lin censer, Qing Dynasty era, with raised spine ridges and expressive snarling face, displayed on plinth.
Side view of Chinese Qilin bronze censer with engraved scale pattern and curled whisker detailing, mounted on black base.
Right-side angle of Qing Chinese bronze incense burner shaped as a Qilin, showing muscular haunches and decorative mane.
Qing Dynasty Qilin censer photographed at forward angle, highlighting sculpted horns, bulging eyes, and smoke-vent mouth.
Underside of bronze Qilin censer showing hollow interior, age patina, and wear consistent with ritual incense use.
YouTube video showcasing Qing Dynasty bronze Qilin censer rotating with detailed scale and flame motifs.

Mythical Dragon-Beast Bronze Censer | Chinese | Qing Dynasty | 18th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Bronze
Period: Likely 18th Century (Qing Dynasty)

Description
This is a finely cast bronze censer in the form of a Chi Lin (Qilin), a revered mythological creature symbolizing prosperity, wisdom, and divine protection. The muscular body is richly detailed with stylized flame and scale motifs, a raised spine with ridge-like protrusions, and an expressive head with bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, curled whiskers, and horn-like projections. The back contains a pierced opening with a hollowed interior, designed to hold incense, with the smoke likely released through the open jaws. The censer is mounted on a modern museum-style plinth, originally intended for use on an altar or scholar’s table.

Features

- Cast in the form of the mythical Chi Lin/Qilin

- Rich surface detail with scale and flame-scroll patterns

- Pierced back opening with vented mouth for incense diffusion

- High-relief decorative modeling with expressive features

- Mounted on a custom black display base

Cultural Significance
The Chi Lin, or Qilin, is one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture, associated with peace, long life, and the arrival of sages or wise rulers. Figures of this type were placed in temples, homes, and scholar’s studios as protective guardians. When crafted as censers, they played a dual role: functional in ritual incense offerings and symbolic as embodiments of divine protection and fortune during the Qing dynasty.

Condition
Good antique condition with a stable surface patina. Areas of oxidation and a possible old casting flaw or repair at the rear. Underside shows signs of burial or extended age-related exposure. Overall, the piece retains excellent form, integrity, and visual presence consistent with 18th-century bronze workmanship.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 4 in
Length: 3 in
Width: 2 in

Age
Estimated 18th Century (Qing Dynasty), though earlier dating is possible

Learn More

Explore the mythology and meaning of the Qilin in Chinese culture: Qilin – Chinese Mythology & Symbolism

Browse more authentic Chinese artifacts & bronzes in our collection: Chinese Artifacts & Relics – Relic And Rarity

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Bronze
Period: Likely 18th Century (Qing Dynasty)

Description
This is a finely cast bronze censer in the form of a Chi Lin (Qilin), a revered mythological creature symbolizing prosperity, wisdom, and divine protection. The muscular body is richly detailed with stylized flame and scale motifs, a raised spine with ridge-like protrusions, and an expressive head with bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, curled whiskers, and horn-like projections. The back contains a pierced opening with a hollowed interior, designed to hold incense, with the smoke likely released through the open jaws. The censer is mounted on a modern museum-style plinth, originally intended for use on an altar or scholar’s table.

Features

- Cast in the form of the mythical Chi Lin/Qilin

- Rich surface detail with scale and flame-scroll patterns

- Pierced back opening with vented mouth for incense diffusion

- High-relief decorative modeling with expressive features

- Mounted on a custom black display base

Cultural Significance
The Chi Lin, or Qilin, is one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture, associated with peace, long life, and the arrival of sages or wise rulers. Figures of this type were placed in temples, homes, and scholar’s studios as protective guardians. When crafted as censers, they played a dual role: functional in ritual incense offerings and symbolic as embodiments of divine protection and fortune during the Qing dynasty.

Condition
Good antique condition with a stable surface patina. Areas of oxidation and a possible old casting flaw or repair at the rear. Underside shows signs of burial or extended age-related exposure. Overall, the piece retains excellent form, integrity, and visual presence consistent with 18th-century bronze workmanship.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 4 in
Length: 3 in
Width: 2 in

Age
Estimated 18th Century (Qing Dynasty), though earlier dating is possible

Learn More

Explore the mythology and meaning of the Qilin in Chinese culture: Qilin – Chinese Mythology & Symbolism

Browse more authentic Chinese artifacts & bronzes in our collection: Chinese Artifacts & Relics – Relic And Rarity

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