Copper-alloy incense burner, China, 18th-19th century Of archaic lian form, the cylindrical body rests on three cabriole feet, the exterior centered by a band of three raised ribs imitating bamboo, all between two raised bands with three ribs of the same type encircling the rim and top of the feet. Between these bands, a classical relief decoration of dragons in the clouds in search of the sacred pearl. The base is molded with a six-character Xuande mark in kaishu in a cartouche surrounded by two dragons searching for the sacred pearl in the clouds. Height: 13 cm; diameter: 18 cm