A RARE SILVER SPHERICAL CENSER, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
A RARE SILVER SPHERICAL CENSER
TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
The globular censer is comprised of two, hinged openwork hemispheres suspended on a hooked chain. The upper hemisphere has a design of leafy, scrolling vines bearing two fruits flanked by pairs of birds, which alternate with two flowers above palmette-like leaves, while the lower hemisphere has a similar design, but no birds. The interior is fitted with a gimbaled system of rings holding a gilt-bronze cup upright irrespective of the movement of the outer sphere.
1 5/8 in. (4.3 cm.) diam.; weight 37.5 g
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A RARE SILVER SPHERICAL CENSER
TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
The globular censer is comprised of two, hinged openwork hemispheres suspended on a hooked chain. The upper hemisphere has a design of leafy, scrolling vines bearing two fruits flanked by pairs of birds, which alternate with two flowers above palmette-like leaves, while the lower hemisphere has a similar design, but no birds. The interior is fitted with a gimbaled system of rings holding a gilt-bronze cup upright irrespective of the movement of the outer sphere.
1 5/8 in. (4.3 cm.) diam.; weight 37.5 g