While many jade censers are carved with a variety of archaistic or floral motifs around the body, the craftsman deliberately chose to leave the surface of this vessel plain and well-polished, thus highlighting the attractive sheen of the stone. The purity of the material is well-balanced against the intricately carved dragon-head handles and the chilong-form knop.
Compare a fine white jade tripod censer and cover with globular body, cabriole legs and plain body, featuring peony-form handles with loose rings and a dragon-form knop, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 28 October 2002, lot 623.