Qing Dynasty, Ca. 1644-1912 AD. A bronze censer cast in two pieces - the water buffalo and its rider serving as a lid. The animal's slender, muscular body, long sturdy legs, and beautifully defined hooves are a testament to the skill and artistry of the maker. The buffalo's striking appearance is further enhanced by its beautifully rendered face, featuring naturalistic eyes, snout, nostrils and ears, and stunningly crafted horns. Its upfront extended head and neck lend a sense of power and movement, making it an object of great beauty and dynamism. The censer's lid is crowned by the god of Longevity, Shoulao, who is depicted holding a sceptre, a symbol of his divine authority. Shoulao is a popular deity in Chinese mythology, believed to have the power to grant longevity and good health to mortals. His presence on the lid of the censer adds a layer of spiritual significance to the piece, elevating it beyond mere decorative art. This type of censer, with a figurative animal form and a lid with a deity, was a popular motif in Qing Dynasty bronze production. It was believed to be a symbol of power and protection, as well as a decorative object of great beauty. The censer's use of bronze, a metal that has been prized for its strength and durability since ancient times, further emphasizes its significance as an object of both practical and spiritual value.Size: L:315mm / W:355mm ; 2.91kgProvenance: Property of an English gentleman, acquired on the US Art market; ex. Estate of Roslyn Willett, NYC. P, Asia Art Fair, NY, 2007.