Pair of perfume burners in patinated bronze decorated with Chiens de Fô and Dragons, 20th century

Important pair of Far Eastern perfume burners in patinated bronze. The handles and grips of the lids are decorated with Fô dogs and dragons. The two sides, richly decorated in relief with birds and branches, rest on a tripod base with hooves. The lids are pierced to allow perfume to be diffused by a censer. These incense-burners are reversible at the top and can also be used as candleholders. Both vases rest on a circular base engraved with geometric frieze motifs. This pair of incense burners is a fine example of the taste for Chinese art that conquered Europe at the beginning of the 20th century.

What is the role of the perfume burner?

Fragrance plays an essential role in Chinese culture, and is associated with almost every moment of life. In the many rituals that govern Chinese society (Taoist, Buddhist or Confucian), the Chinese use resins and fragrant woods in incense to delimit a sacred space or time. The very presence of the incense burner is sometimes enough to indicate a sacred place.

Circa: 1900

Dim: W: 26cm, D: 36cm, H: 64cm.
Dim: W: 10,2in, D: 14,2in, H: 25,2in.

Condition report: Good condition. One lion's paw missing.