This incense holder consists of a straight tubular holder and a round tray. The tray has curved sides, a shallow body and a ring foot; it is covered in copper gilt, with hollow relief carving of lotus plants and flowers on the sides, and a double frame on the base bearing four characters in the Clerical Script reading “Made in the Qianlong Period.” The straight tubular holder, which is positioned on the base, is decorated with the “cloud shoulder” motif in blue cloisonne enamel. Within the two bands of clouds, intertwining lotus stems and flowers have been painted on in cloisonne enamel against a sky-blue background. The top of the holder is decorated with three sets of flowers; in the center of the flowers is a hole in which incense sticks can be inserted. This small, delicate piece would add a touch of elegance to a household altar.

H: 8.5 cm