A bronze 'qilin' censer and cover, 17th century

the horned animal cast seated, with scaly body and flame-like projections over its shoulders, the crested mane extending down to the upright bushy tail, the tufted legs with hoof feet, its removable head forming the cover, turned to the side and hinged on one side, with large bulging eyes and pricked ears in alert expression, the mouth open revealing sharp fangs

(2)
51.5 cm high

• Lot Sold SOLD (Hammer Price)

Provenance

Mr Cheong Fatt Tze (1840-1916), The Blue Mansion, Penang
Private Collection, Melbourne, by descent from the above

Condition Report

The pin and chain to fasten the head now missing. The tips of flames rising to either side of the ears broken off. Uneven interior rim on the open neck.

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