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.