Chinese Jade Censer Incense Burner

This antique Chinese jade four-legged incense burner was recently acquired from a prominent Bostonian estate of Asian antiques. The exact age of the incense burner is unknown; however, the characteristics of this incense burner indicate that it is an antique piece of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). There are two jade handles in the form of loops with repeating border patterns. The upper lip on the outside of the incense burner has repeating rectangular spirals often referred to as "meanders" or a basic "keyfret" pattern. The outside of the incense burner is comprised of several hand-carved beasts and symbols that appear as a mask on the front and back sides along with protruding edges. This incense burner is four-legged. There are no markings to the underside of the incense burner. The inside and outside of the incense burner has Patina due to its age. This incense burner main purpose would have been for worship or to create a pleasant smell for rituals, ceremonies, and daily life. The incense burner approximate dimensions and other features are as follows: Material: Jade; Height (including handle): 5 in.; Top Length: 5 in.; Bottom Length: 4 in.; Depth (lip and sides):1/4 in.; Circumference: 15 1/2 in.; Weight: 5 lbs.