Antique Chinese small bronze censer in the form of a recumbent qilin. Possible used as a brush rest or for burning incense. Open on the bottom, the incense smoke would have come up through the qilin's open mouth. Subtle details include incised scales and a single horn.

17th Century: Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)

Dimensions: 3" high x 3 1/4" long