The Majesty of Cloisonné: The Incense Burner with Lion Handles and Three Legs
底款：宣德年製 (Marked as Made during the Xuande Period)
"銅胎掐絲琺瑯" (Cloisonné), also known as 景泰藍 (Jingtailan), is a renowned Qing Dynasty craft and one of the 八絕 (Eight Unique Skills of Beijing). Described as "技可近乎藝，亦可通乎神" (skill can approach art, and can reach divinity), Jingtailan's production process is intricate and laborious, using precious materials. During the Qing Dynasty, it was almost exclusively used by nobility, known for its resplendent beauty and exquisite craftsmanship.
The creation of Jingtailan involves a complex process where thin wires are meticulously applied to a copper base to form intricate designs (掐絲). These designs are then filled with vibrant enamel colors (琺瑯), and the piece is fired multiple times to achieve a brilliant, glass-like finish. This results in artworks celebrated for their dazzling colors and elaborate patterns, often featuring floral and animal motifs that symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
This piece, 【狻猊蓋鈕獅耳三足香爐】 (Cloisonné Incense Burner with Lion Handles and Three Legs), features a finely crafted 狻猊 (suan ni) or auspicious beast. Decorated with 掐絲搪瓷 (cloisonné enamel), the 狻猊 is a mythical lion in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength and protection. Its imposing presence is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The design of this incense burner draws inspiration from ancient three-legged vessels, making it not only a sacred temple artifact but also a treasured piece for scholars and collectors.
The 狻猊, a symbol of power and majesty, is often associated with the lion dance performed during festive occasions such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. It signifies joy, good luck, and wealth. This piece, with its meticulous craftsmanship and rich cultural significance, exemplifies the pinnacle of Jingtailan artistry, blending traditional techniques with timeless beauty.
底款：宣德年製
「銅胎掐絲琺瑯」亦稱為景泰藍，是著名清代工藝也是燕京八絕之一，「技可近乎藝，亦可通乎神」，景泰藍製工掐絲搪瓷工法繁雜往複，用材貴重不貨，在清代時近乎是王孫貴胄之專器，雍容華美異常是東方粹美魁首，巧奪天工、繁花似錦等不能盡言詞之美。本件【狻猊蓋鈕獅耳三足香爐】景泰藍精塑狻猊瑞獸，以掐絲塘瓷設色飾之，「狻猊」為瑞獅，為我國之古典祥獸，雄據崢嶸之氣勢磅礡薄，有鎮祟除厄之力，因常有年節婚娶之獸舞（獅舞），亦有吉祥慶喜、招財咬彩之意向，取材自高古形制三足爐，不只是廟堂禮器聖品，更是文紳之仕案桌珍藏雅件。
