Chinese Lidded Foo Lion Form Censer

A foo lion with a censer for a stomach.

Chinese metalworkers made this lidded foo lion censer in copper in the 20th century. Guardian lions are common in Chinese art, and incense burners in animal form have long been used on altars and in scholars’ rooms. The head forms the lid, with an open mouth and a curled brow, while the body is rounded and embossed with swirling scrolls. Taloned feet carry the weight. The copper is a warm red-brown with golden highlights on the lion’s face.

About 4 inches tall. Small, fierce, and ready for incense or paper clips.