Incense Stick Holder
1675-1725 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This incense holder was made in the kilns of Dehua in southern China during the reign period of the emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). Dehua kilns were specialised in the production of porcelain objects with no painted decoration, also known in Europe as 'blanc de Chine'. Generally made in moulds, the most popular types included animal figurines, such as the lion or 'dog of Fo', religious and mythological figures, and small cups with applied decoration.
Dehua export pieces were particularly popular between the end of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century in Europe, where they decorated the residences of aristocrats and wealthy people. One of the most important European collections of Chinese porcelain belonged to Augustus the Strong of Saxony (d. 1733), who owned over twenty thousand pieces, displayed in grand halls.
Dehua export pieces were particularly popular between the end of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century in Europe, where they decorated the residences of aristocrats and wealthy people. One of the most important European collections of Chinese porcelain belonged to Augustus the Strong of Saxony (d. 1733), who owned over twenty thousand pieces, displayed in grand halls.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Porcelain with clear glaze |
| Brief description | Incense stick holder, porcelain with clear glaze, Dehua ware, China, Qing dynasty, 1675-1725 |
| Physical description | Porcelain incense stick holder with clear glaze, one of a pair. It is in the form of a lion sitting on its haunches, the left front paw rests on a ball, on an oblong base. A receptacle at the side for holding incense stick. |
| Dimensions |
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| Styles | |
| Gallery label | Guardian lion (‘Dog of Fo’) incense
holder
China, Dehua, 1675–1725
Museum no. 704-1883(September 2009) |
| Object history | Purchased from Dr. S. W. Bushell (Beijing), accessioned in 1883. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. One of a pair of incense stick holders [74 to 74A-1883]. Bought at 7s. for the pair. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This incense holder was made in the kilns of Dehua in southern China during the reign period of the emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). Dehua kilns were specialised in the production of porcelain objects with no painted decoration, also known in Europe as 'blanc de Chine'. Generally made in moulds, the most popular types included animal figurines, such as the lion or 'dog of Fo', religious and mythological figures, and small cups with applied decoration. Dehua export pieces were particularly popular between the end of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century in Europe, where they decorated the residences of aristocrats and wealthy people. One of the most important European collections of Chinese porcelain belonged to Augustus the Strong of Saxony (d. 1733), who owned over twenty thousand pieces, displayed in grand halls. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 704-1883 |
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| Record created | December 9, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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