A large bronze 'lion and foreigner' censer and cover, Ming dynasty, 14th / 15th century

Collection of Virginia Steed (1911-1994), acquired in Asia circa 1950.

This impressive censer is skillfully cast in the form of a Central Asian figure dancing atop a menacing lion. Central Asian figures are often depicted in association with Buddhist lions, as traditionally Buddhism came to China from Central Asia along the Silk Road. The duo of a Central Asian figure and Buddhist lion form part of the standard Ming and Qing image of tribute bearers coming to the Chinese court, demonstrating Chinese supremacy. Revered for their strength and spiritual essence, lions were considered mythological guardians with the divine power to ward off evil spirits. While the origin of censers cast with the subject of lion is difficult to determine, they gained much popularity in the early Ming dynasty. The hollowed interior of the censer was filled with charcoal, sandalwood or musk, and when incense was lit, smoke emerged through the beast's mouth, giving the impression of a living creature breathing smoke. Censers of this type is rare. See a closely related example, although of a smaller size, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, sold twice at Sotheby's, first in our London rooms, 12th June 2003, lot 83, and later in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 210.