A large Chinese bronze incense burner in the shape of a luduan dating from the Ming dynasty. Dimensions are: 23 inches tall X 15 inches long X 19 inches wide, 58.4 cm X 38.1 cm X 48.3 cm. All measurements are approximate. Condition: Age appropriate wear and use wear. Minor areas of damage and loss to the head. Tail has been re-affixed. A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission. Provenance: Purchased from Heritage Auctions on April 2, 2017, as lot 78139. Notes: This grand bronze is cast in the form of a Qilin, a heavenly creature who embodies all the virtues of Chinese civilization. The Qilin is tasked with protecting these values on earth and uplifting sages and rulers to godhood. They only associate themselves with the best of men as a result, and to be blessed or recognized by a Qilin is to receive the benediction of heaven and sure admittance to the heavenly realm. Often referred to as the Chinese unicorn, they share with their western counterpart a gentle nature and a keen recognition of purity of heart. In modern Feng Shui, they are prized for their traditional benefits and symbolism of the fire element, as they are often depicted as being on fire or otherwise wreathed in smoke.It is appropriate, then, that this bronze sculpture cleverly operates as an incense burner. It can be opened at the neck, and once burning incense has been placed inside, smoke will pour out of the Qilin's mouth, nose, and tail. The piece as a whole is exquisitely cast and constructed, with incredible details from the scales along the creature's body to the hairs along its bushy tail. Although it was manufactured during the Ming Dynasty, the large bronze is in exemplary condition, and sits tall, proud, and serene, ever-watchful in its place.甪端是古代傳說中的神獸，《宋書·符瑞志下》：「甪端日行萬八千裏，又曉四夷之語，聖主在位，明達方外幽遠，則奉書而至」。故而歷代帝王喜用甪端形象護衛在側，既寓意通曉天下，光明睿智，又象征吉祥如意，風調雨順。此作品為銅鑄甪端，色古而凝重。頭呈龍形，額頭上生有一角，耳尖上翹，四足似馬蹄，身披鱗甲，背有鋸齒脊，火焰形尾上揚，若龍之形體。雙眼鼓出，大嘴張開似在吼叫，威嚴而莊重。後頸部可以打開，腹部中空以為爐身，頭部為蓋，與頸部以銅釬相連，便於開合，渾然一體。嘴微張，以便燃香之氣裊裊而出 ，設計巧妙，頗見匠心。香薰始於戰國，歷朝歷代都使之用於焚香，因香料在古代極為奢侈，故香薰不會見尋常百姓家，是皇帝嬪妃們於宮廷之中不可缺少之物。此香薰彌於眉目之高，使人心無旁騖，盡脫凡俗之氣，其形體之碩大、分量之沈重，於傳世銅香薰中少見，極為珍貴難得。包漿自然淳樸，工藝造型屬於明代典型風格，其當時必定是宮廷陳列之中的佼佼者。此器極具歷史沈澱感，銅質純練，叩之響聲沈穩悠揚。精雕細刻，並打磨光滑，賦予傳說中的神獸以形貌。舉凡書齋清宮、神案祭祀及廳堂陳設等處均十分適 宜，為不可多得之佳器。The Palace Museum in Beijing houses a similar example under accession number 00136080. A similar example was sold by Beijing Chengxuan Auction Company on May 19, 2014, as lot 673. High resolution photos can be found here.參閱故宮博物院館藏，編號新00136080 (fig. 1)。見北京誠軒2014年05月拍賣，編號0673。