
Antique Chinese Dragon Incense Burner Jadeite Inlay/Overlay 11"

Chinese Mixed Media Incense Burner Jadeite Inlay/Overlay 11" Modern re production version loosely based on a Western Zhou stone censer dating from the 500-1000 BC period. 3 Dragon heads with 2 on the outside having dangling rings. The upper main dragon has 4 rings. Possibly a cast stone base with a bronze top. My first inquiry’s were pictures I sent to the Smithsonian Asian artifacts department. They told me being a government entity, limited their comments and only to say, they had never seen anything quite like it. They also responded with a link to a retired scientist from the institutions email but there was no response from him. A Chinese antiques dealer dated it to mid 19c. An reputable antiques house here in Connecticut is thinking more contemporary. Some of the inlays / surface overlay tested as jadeite. The 3 stones on the top are not Jadeite. A couple of symbols seen may be painted or overlayed. I cant interpret all symbols in meaning, but luck and happiness were 2 of which I'm 85% sure. The bottom has no markings. 9 1/4" from dragons nose to nose. Weighs around 5-6 pounds. |