Chinese Lu or Incense Burner

Small, low drum that wears its single round seal mark right on the belly.

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. Short, wide cylinder in pale greenish-white glaze with a flat top, a stained central opening, and a faint ring pattern at the shoulder. A circular emblem in dark outline sits on the side, flanked by partial marks. The bare foot is rough. It is 2.5 inches high and 3.5 in diameter.

Faint markings, steady shape, and an air of quiet authority.