Chinese Incense Burner with Double-Dragon Motif

Two dragons guard the handles, and two more circle the middle.

This incense burner was made in Hebei Province, China, in the 19th century, and the record lists its materials as gold and silver. Incense burners in China are commonly associated with temples, scholars’ studies and domestic altars. Here a boat-shaped bowl is flanked by dragon heads, with spiraling scaled bodies sweeping underneath to form the feet. At the center of the front is an oval medallion with relief dragons. The warm gold surface has darkened in the recesses.

About 8 inches wide. A small dragon boat, anchored to a table.