Incense burner "Dragons", Tibet, Qing Dynasty

Globular-shaped hanging incense burner, made of silver-plated metal and richly decorated throughout using embossing and chiselling. The main body rests on a truncated cone-shaped base decorated with a frieze of raised lobes or petals, and is ornamented with intertwined floral motifs and two prominent infinity knots (a Buddhist symbol of eternity and harmony) located on either side of the front axis. Two expressive dragon-head handles emerge from its sides, their mouths holding three thick braided chains that converge on an openwork lid decorated with floral and pearl motifs, crowned by a bulbous button-shaped finial, also ornamented with fine plant details. The neck of the incense burner features a decorative border with geometric motifs, while the shoulder and lid display bands of plant designs, with symbolic inclusions such as lotus flowers, dharma wheels, and other auspicious emblems from the Buddhist repertoire. The interior shows signs of use, with patina typical of its age. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) or later.

Size: 26 × 18 × 18 cm; Total length: 80 cm

Weight: 1058 g