18/19th C. Finely casted Chinese Qing Dynasty gilt bronze covered censer in model of a mythical beast Qilin, with bulbous deep vessel body, raised on four straight prominent legs leading to four-toe eagle claws foot, with the lid simulated the Qilin head. Eyes with thick eyelashes, manes that flow slightly upward and beards flow draped unto the rim. The muscled body shaped like an ox. Fiercely facing forward, open mouth revealed the fang and teeth, raised ears, its ruyi shaped tail freely extended straight. Mark on base with chiseled four characters.