Chinese Censer with Foo Lion Motif

A lion sits on the lid like it owns the incense.

Craftsmen in Guangdong Province, China, made this censer with a foo lion motif in copper in the 19th century. Censers like this were commonly used for burning incense at altars and in the home. A seated lion crowns a pierced lid over a squared body. Two upright, flattened handles flank it, and a flanged, scalloped edge frames the sides. A carved panel decorates the front, and the whole rests on four curved legs. The metal is dark brown to black, with a mellow, rubbed shine.

About 9 inches tall. Smoulders well, even unlit.