Chinese Lu or Incense Burner

Bell-shaped little tower, banded in deep blue, with a big brushed character on its flank.

This porcelain lu or incense burner is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. Many Chinese censers take their shape from ancient bronze ritual vessels, with a rounded bowl, a flared rim and handles or legs that carry the weight of the form. Rounded bell form with a flared base, rimmed in a thick cobalt band at the foot. A large, carefully brushed blue character fills the side, and four small marks circle the central hole on the flat top. The glaze is finely speckled. It is 3.25 inches high and 3.75 in diameter.

Properly dressed, properly lettered, and rather dignified for its size.