Chinese Censer with Foo Lion Motif

Four lion-faced feet, and one more lion keeping watch on top.

This censer with a foo lion motif was made in copper in Guangdong Province, China, in the 19th century. Incense burners were commonly set before altars or ancestors or on the scholar’s table. A lion sits above a pierced, openwork lid. Two curved handles sweep up from the shoulders, and the four feet are modeled as lion heads. A floral panel decorates the front. The copper has aged to a warm reddish brown, brighter along the edges.

About 6 inches tall. Small, but not shy.