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Lot 484
A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL LUDUAN CENSER
Estimated Value:
800 € - 1.200 €
Result:
1.813 € incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
China, 18th c.H. 14 cm
Weight: 0,43 kg.
Old German private collection, sold at Lempertz Cologne, 15.6.1989, lot 184 (DM 1400.-)
Mythical beasts of this form are known as luduan, legendary creatures capable of distinguishing between
good and evil. Because of these qualities incense burners of this form were placed beside or in front of the imperial throne to symbolise that the emperor, protected by these animals, was a virtuous and intelligent ruler. In this function a pair of cloisonne enamel incense burners of this form can be seen in situ in a photograph of the throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony illustrated in Palaces of the Forbidden City, Hong Kong, 1986, pp. 66-67 - Very minor losses to enamel, minor wear to gilding, minor traces of age
