H: 7.5 cm
L: 16 cm

This narcissus basin-shaped censor imitates the narcissus basin form commonly made by the Official and Ru kilns during the Song Dynasty. The ceramics in this form are typically either plain-bodied or have dragon handles, with this piece being an example of the latter. The sides of the piece are slightly drawn in, and the bottom features a protruding rim. There are four feet, and the upper portions of the feet are adorned with engraved ruyi and cloud patterns, which were made with a fine knife. The lip bears one cast hornless dragon handle on each side, and the dragons' mouths face each other. With crouching legs, the dragons appear fierce and powerful. The dragons wear ferocious expressions, and their hair is deeply incised. The bottom of the censor bears the open-frame cast inscription Made in the Xuan De reign of the Great Ming in standard script, and the strokes of the characters are clear and deep. The surface of this censor has an elegant time-worn appearance, and it is dark green with a hint of purple, giving it the look of an ancient piece.