A Large And Impressive Cloisonne Enamel 'Kylin' Incense Burner And Cover. Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period

standing four-square with ferocious dragon head alertly raised and jaws wide open, the scaly turquoise and dark blue enamel body with bushy tail, cloven hooves and flames rising from the haunches in gilt-bronze, a detachable cover to the back. 53cm., 20 7/8 in. Estimate 80,000—120,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: Chrsitie's London, 31st May 1965, lot 132.

John Sparks, London, 14th June 1989.

NOTE: The present piece is impressive for its large size and the sense of dynamism that is successfully captured in the creature's roaring jaws and vigorously extending eyebrows, beard and flames across his body. Although fierce in appearance, the kylin is a peaceful creature that protects the innocent while punishing the wicked, spouting fearsome flames from its mouth and exercising various powers. Thus, censers of kylin-shape were particularly suitable and favoured for their symbolism as well as for their aesthetic magnificence.

A related example is illustrated in Zhongguo jin yin boli falang qi quanji, Shijiazhuang, 2002, pl. 288; a slightly later pair with shorter legs was sold in our Monaco rooms, 9^th February, 1982, lot 1258; and another pair with a single horn on their heads was sold at Christie's London, 14^th November 1984, lot 646. Compare also a slightly earlier bronze censer of kylin form with similarly decorated bodies and facial features, but cast in a seated position, sold in our New York rooms, 26^th February 1982, lot 264; and another example with a single horn sold in our New York rooms, 28^th February 1980, lot 119.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com