Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Censer With Foo Dog Finial, 20th Century

Details

Description

A handsome blue and white porcelain censer (xianglu), inspired by classic Kangxi-period designs. This substantial vessel features a beautifully sculpted … Read more A handsome blue and white porcelain censer (xianglu), inspired by classic Kangxi-period designs. This substantial vessel features a beautifully sculpted Foo Dog (Shishi) finial atop a rectangular, lift-off lid with pierced vents for incense smoke.
Finely hand-painted in vibrant cobalt underglaze, the rectangular body depicts traditional Chinese landscape scenes set within decorative cartouches, all framed by elegant floral scrolls and key-fret borders. This censer is structured with upright handles at each end and rests on four shaped paw feet. The underside is marked in blue with a square seal, consistent with decorative pieces produced in the 20th Century.
This striking piece serves as a sophisticated accent for your mantel, console, or scholar’s shelf and will elevate both classic and contemporary interiors.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE:
Though a 20th-century piece, this censer showcases a level of artistry that recalls Jingdezhen's finest traditions. The underglaze cobalt is vivid and confidently applied, with subtle "trembling blue" brush modulation visible in the landscapes and stylized borders—a nod to the classic Kangxi palette.
Note the Foo Dog's expressive modeling: the open mouth with detailed tongue, pierced teeth, and finely carved, curled mane were sculpted with precision, differentiating it from flat, mass-molded reproductions. This attention to detail places this example among the better revivals of Kangxi-style blue and white porcelain. As discerning collectors increasingly recognize the technical quality of these wares, well-preserved examples like this represent a thoughtful investment in both craftsmanship and decorative appeal. See less