Lot 565. A Dehua censer, Qing dynasty, 17th century; 15 cm wide. Price Realised EUR 5,080 (Estimate EUR 2,000 - EUR 3,000) © Christie's Images Ltd 2026

The base bears a four-character mark: Qiu Gu Qi Jian.

Note: The four character mark Qiu Gu Qi Jian may be understood as an aesthetic ideal describing artistic refinement and accomplishment. The phrase conveys qualities of vigour and strength (qiu), an elevated sense of antiquity (gu), structural integrity and expressive force (qi), and restrained simplicity (jian). Together, these concepts evoke a highly cultivated artistic standard that values power, classical elegance, compositional strength, and refined restraint.

Christie's, Arts of Asia, Paris, 29 May - 12 June 2026