Boshanlu incense burner, 博山爐, green patina copper alloy, China, Han dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) The incense burner bowl rests on a high, downward-flaring foot decorated with a band of stylized scrolls on a geometric background and set on a slightly hollow circular base with raised edges. It is topped by an openwork lid depicting superimposed mountain peaks. Height: 12 cm Provenance : Accompanied by a photo annotated by Michael Goedhuis. The lid refers to the Island of the Immortals, that fantastic place where, according to Taoist doctrine, the immortal xian beings have gathered. The openwork allows incense smoke to escape, evoking clouds rising from the mountain.