A bronze qilin censer
銅麒麟香爐

Ming dynasty, 17th century, China
明 17世紀 中國

Height: 25 cm, 9.8 inches
高25釐米

The censer is cast in the form of a rearing lion, one front paw places on an openwork ball and the other raised in the air, the head held up with open mouth and attached to the body by a hinge at the front for the placement of incense inside. The body is of lithe form, with a deep rich patina.