Gold Censer in the Shape of a Gourd

The censer is made of gold openwork that comprises an auspicious pattern of interconnected characters for longevity (shou), happiness (xi), and myriad (i.e., ten-thousand, wan). Two solid characters translated as Great Fortune (Da ji) are the central feature of the piece. The design of openwork would have facilitated the wafting smoke of the fragrant incense. The censer has a chain for suspension; the joints of the chain are embellished in the form of a bat at each side of the gourd’s mouth.