Qing Dynasty–Style Chinese Cloisonné Incense Burner — Jade Lion Finials & Gilt Bronze Mounts — Imperial Court Revival Censer

Monumental Chinese cloisonné incense burner executed in Qing court revival style, featuring turquoise-ground enamel, carved jade lion finials, and richly gilt bronze structural mounts, conceived as a ceremonial interior centerpiece rather than utilitarian incense ware.

Object Overview

This cloisonné incense burner exemplifies the late-imperial Chinese decorative tradition in which metalwork, enamel, and hardstone carving are unified into a single architectural object. The form follows square, pavilion-like proportions associated with palace ritual burners, elevated on stylized feet and framed by vertical jade columns that function as both visual anchors and symbolic guardians.

The enamel ground is densely worked in turquoise and polychrome scrollwork, consistent with Qing-era court aesthetics that favored saturation, surface complexity, and chromatic authority. Gilt bronze mounts articulate edges, corners, and feet, providing both structural reinforcement and visual hierarchy. The lid and upper elements are crowned with carved jade lion finials, reinforcing themes of protection, authority, and ritual guardianship.

Rather than a domestic censer, this object belongs to the category of display-grade incense furniture—objects intended for temple halls, scholar interiors, or elite reception spaces where incense served ceremonial and symbolic purposes. The scale, weight, and material richness place it firmly within collector-grade Chinese decorative arts, suitable for long-term holding rather than casual decorative use.

Material & Craft

Constructed with a copper body finished in dense cloisonné enamel, the burner is reinforced with gilt bronze mounts and fitted with carved jade lion finials. The enamel work emphasizes saturation and surface density, consistent with late imperial decorative traditions.

Symbolic Context

Lion imagery in jade traditionally signifies protection and authority. Combined with incense ritual forms, the object reflects ceremonial use within elite or court-influenced interiors.

Dimensions & Weight

• Approximate size: 36 × 27 cm
• Substantial construction; heavy display object

Condition

Overall well-preserved condition with intact enamel, mounts, and carved elements. Please refer to images for surface details.

Collector Relevance

Suitable for collectors of Chinese cloisonné, Qing-style decorative arts, and ceremonial incense objects with architectural presence.

Shipping & Logistics

Professionally packed for international transport. Estimated packaged weight exceeds standard parcel thresholds; courier or freight service recommended.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.