Kangxi reign (1662-1722), Qing dynasty
This elegant and refined incense burner features a rounded top and straight cylindrical body, crafted in three separate sections. The upper and middle segments of the lid are intricately openworked with motifs of Kui dragons, while the lower body is densely carved with a perforated wall and an extended lip. The entire burner is divided into 18 segments by intertwined floral bands in a warp-and-weft pattern. Each segment contains a relief-sculpted Kui dragon, with its ears, nose, limbs, and tail vividly rendered in three dimensions. The dragons are arranged in vertical stripes of blue, turquoise green, and pale green. The lid is painted with a vermilion depiction of dragons playing among clouds, which contrasts vividly against the serene blue and green hues, adding a lively and dynamic ambiance. The incense burner stands on three beast-shaped feet, with the base supported by six small pegs to prevent warping during firing.
The segmented design of the burner echoes decorative concepts seen in ancient bronze vessels from the Warring States period. The extensive use of block-like patches of blue and green glaze creates varying shades due to the relief patterns, giving the glaze a sense of depth and translucency. Black-brown outlines highlight the motifs, while red blossoms are depicted using rendering techniques. This combination of blue and green glazes represents a stylistic innovation of the Kangxi period, replacing the mid-Ming dynasty’s popular red-and-blue color schemes with a new approach.