Vintage Hand Carved Natural Translucent Nephrite Serpentine Xiu Jade 岫玉 Tripod Censer

Vintage Chinese Serpentine Jade Censer
Three Dragons 三龍香爐
Taotie Masked Tripod
Origin: China, Circa: Early 1900s'
H 5.5 in. (14cm), W 5.5 in. (14cm), D 3.5 in. (9cm)
Measurement not including 1”H wood pedestal
Condition: very good

The archaic prototype of this tripod libation censer can be traced back to the Neolithic period (4000 B.C.), and it has been served as a prototype for bronzes, jades and ivory vessels through the centuries in China. As shown here in this delicately carved nephrite / Xiu jade 岫玉 tripod censer. Two vigorous protruding dragon heads served as handles, and two freely dangling rings hanging graciously over the round contours; on the cover features a smaller dragon head, dangling with three carved-through rings attached to the three handles. The tripod is firmly stabled with three taoties masked flared legs emerge from the bulging bulbous form; It has a translucent celadon green and an even shine from thorough polishing, smooth to the touch and perfectly functional for libation purposes; in very good condition.