Incense burner or fragrance jar made of openwork nephrite decorated with peonies, China, Qianlong period (1736–1795) Circular in shape, the body, made of gray-green celadon nephrite, is entirely openwork and carved in relief with blooming peonies, leaves, and intertwined stems. The two side handles are formed of groups of flowers and foliage, also in openwork. The upper rim is accented by an incised Greek fret frieze. It rests on a small circular foot. The likely matching lid is missing. This type of openwork vessel, designed to allow fragrances to circulate, is particularly well attested in nephrite works from the Qianlong period; examples very similar in form and decoration are held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (no. 21.175.83a, b) and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge (no. 0.9 & A-1934). Height: 8.5 cm; diameter: 10.8 cm; length with handles: 18 cm Lid missing.