This magnificent square censer rests on a tall, multi-tiered pedestal richly decorated in layers with a band of waves tipped with gold foam at the bottom, a band of twelve small reserves of the animals of the zodiac, a plinth with corner brackets cast with gilt Chinese lions among rocks and waves, and gold drago

This colorful coat features dragons and other emblems of good luck sewn with threads that were wrapped in bright metallic casing. Dragons were thought by the Chinese to be heavenly creatures, associated with rain, wind, and the forces of nature.