Han Hetian Jade Chilhu Tiger Ear Censer/Han Dynasy
$180000.00 | 1 pkg. (Min.Order)
Material & Quality:Hetian White Jade, Fine Oily Texture, Natural Qin Se Patina
Handles:Dual Chilhu Tiger Handles in High-Relief & Openwork
Primary Decoration:Full-Coverage Low-Relief Taotie with Kui Dragons & Cloud Scrolls
Carving Technique:Han "Fine-Thread" Style, Delicate & Deeply Layered Lines
Interior:Expertly Hollowed & Polished for Practical Incense Use
Ritual Status:Supreme Imperial Artifact for Ancestral Rites
Primary Function:Museum-Quality Collectible, Han Dynasty Ritual Masterpiece
Provenance
This jade censer was originally created as a ceremonial and display object for the residence of a Han dynasty prince or high-ranking noble. After the fall of the dynasty, it was interred with its owner as part of a noble burial, where it remained buried for over a millennium, during which time its natural earthen qin se (burial patina) developed.
In modern times, the censer was excavated and subsequently acquired by a distinguished collector in northern China. It was carefully preserved in a stable, temperature-controlled environment, protected from light and humidity, and remained free from any damage, breakage, or restoration.
During the Republic of China period, the piece was exported to Europe and America through established antique trade channels, where it remained in the collection of an overseas connoisseur of ancient jades for several decades.
In recent years, the censer was lawfully repatriated to China through regulated antiquities trade channels. Upon re-entry, it underwent comprehensive scientific examination by a professional ancient jade appraisal institution. The tests confirmed that the jade material, the natural qin se coloration, the decorative motifs, and the carving techniques are all consistent with Han dynasty standards.
From its creation in the Han dynasty, to its burial, excavation, private collection in China, overseas circulation, and lawful repatriation, the transmission history of this censer is clear and traceable, with its authenticity and cultural significance fully substantiated.
Product Introduction



Verity Antique presents the Han Hetian Jade Chilhu Tiger Ear Censer, an object of profound historical weight and peerless artistry that embodies the very essence of Han dynasty ritual culture and lapidary mastery. This is not merely a carved stone; it is a frozen moment of imperial power, a silent prayer to the heavens, and a testament to the supreme skill of ancient Chinese artisans.
The censer is carved from a single, magnificent block of Hetian white jade-a material so precious it was the exclusive domain of the imperial family and the highest nobility. Its surface carries the silent story of its long journey through time, inscribed in the natural, deep-toned qin se that permeates the stone. The form is a powerful archaism: the taotie masks that glare from its surface are a direct invocation of the sacred bronze vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, a deliberate strategy by the Han emperors to claim the legitimacy of that ancient lineage. The dual chilhu tiger handles, carved with breathtaking complexity and dynamism, are the crowning technical achievement, showcasing the Han artisan's ability to coax a full, three-dimensional, and living form from the solid, unyielding jade. This censer is not simply an artifact of the Han dynasty; it is a supreme synthesis of Chinese civilization's deepest ritual impulses and its most extraordinary technical capabilities, rendered in the eternal medium of jade.
Product Specifications
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Material |
Hetian White Jade (Single Block) |
|
Category |
Incense Censer / Ritual Vessel |
|
Style |
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), Imperial & Noble Class |
|
Dimensions |
Length 18, Width 12, Height 12 |
|
Carving Techniques |
High Relief, Openwork, Full-Round Sculpture, Fine-Thread Carving, Integral Hollowing |
|
Primary Motif |
Taotie (Beast Mask), Chilhu Tigers, Clouds |
|
Form |
Covered Censer with Double Chilhu Handles |
|
Primary Function |
Supreme Collectible Art; Court Ritual & Display Artifact |
Q&a
Q:Is this a genuinely ancient artifact, not a later reproduction?
A:Yes. This censer is an authentic Han dynasty artifact. Its authenticity is confirmed by its material, its carving techniques-particularly the combination of high-relief, openwork, and fine-thread carving that cannot be replicated by modern forgers-and its ancient, unworn patina and qin se. These characteristics, alongside its well-documented provenance, place it firmly within the Han period.
Q:What is the significance of the chilhu tiger motif?
A: The chilhu is a mythical, powerful creature, often depicted as a hybrid of a tiger and a dragon. In Han dynasty art, it is associated with the vital force of the earth, the spirit of the mountains, and a connection to the celestial realm. Its inclusion on this censer imbues the object with protective and auspicious power, warding off evil and bringing good fortune.
Q:What is the "fine-thread" carving technique?
A: The "fine-thread" carving technique (you si mao diao) is a hallmark of Han dynasty jade carving. It involves the use of extremely fine, sharp, and continuous lines to outline motifs, creating a delicate yet powerful effect. This technique demands immense control and precision from the artisan and is highly prized in Han jade.
Q:What does the white jade of this quality represent?
A: The finest white jade, known as "mutton fat" or "white as milk," was the most highly prized material in ancient China, exceeding even gold in its cultural value. It is inextricably linked to the highest ideals of Confucian virtue-purity, integrity, and moral perfection-and was reserved exclusively for the imperial family and the highest rank of nobility for the most important ritual and ceremonial objects.
Important Notes
All dimensions are manually measured; minor deviations (1-2 cm) may occur.
Provenance details for certain items are confidential. Please contact us privately for further information.
All items are sold as-is. Please review all descriptions and images carefully before purchasing.
These are precious, irreplaceable antiques. Please handle with the utmost care, avoid direct contact with water and chemicals, and seek professional conservation advice for long-term preservation.
Hot Tags: han hetian jade chilhu tiger ear censer/han dynasy, China han hetian jade chilhu tiger ear censer/han dynasy
Send Inquiry












