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

Culture
Chinese
Date
mid- to late 18th century
from
China, Asia
Classification
Containers, metalwork
Collection
Asian Art
Current Location
On View, Gallery 229
Dimensions
13 5/8 x 9 3/16 x 7 5/16 in. (34.6 x 23.3 x 18.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Robert E. Kresko
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
13:2005a,b
NOTES
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.

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