Covered Censer with Design of Dragons and Phoenixes in Clouds and Sea Creatures in Waves

This censer’s extravagant shape and forms exemplify the overblown and highly decorative style of the late 18th century. Only imperial dragons inhabit the body; lesser sea creatures are relegated to the foot of the vessel. The ungainly proportions of this vessel were misinterpretations of Western art. This censer was an imperial commission from the imperial workshops and likely decorated the interior of a Western-style Chinese palace.