Censer; China, Republic period (1912- 1949): c. 1910-1920.

Censer; China, Republic period (1912- 1949): c. 1910-1920.
Enameled copper.
Presents mark on the base.
Measurements: 7.5 x 8 x 6 cm.
One of the eight elements of the scholar is the censer, since the ritual of burning incense has been of great importance and it was believed that the smoke of the incense resembled the energy of the clouds being sacred and a vehicle towards the world of the spirits. When the incense burners were not used, they were placed upside down as an ornamental piece.
They were always ritual pieces, and therefore for the exclusive use of the ruling class or as funerary ornaments. Copper vessels were mainly used in sacrifices to the ancestors, and also as a means of communication between heaven and earth, as well as in ceremonial banquets (propitiatory rites). In later times the bronze vessel will be very important, and it will be considered a good omen to find an ancient bronze, especially related to the legitimacy of the ruler. In fact, from the Han dynasty (3rd century AD), they will begin to be treasured by rulers as symbols of political legitimacy.