Incense Burner, late Ming period, 17th century

bronze, rising from three dragon's head feet, the openworked lid crowned by an Imperial Guardian Lion ("shizi" or "foo" dog), whose right paw rests on a pierced bowl (pearl)

The availability of precious incense burners has always been a status symbol in China. The high court officials loved to surround themselves with scented clouds of exotic incense and perfume. But not only private houses, but also official buildings, and temple halls were filled with fragrance-flowing equipment of all kinds.