Vintage Hand-carved Chinese Soapstone Censer for Incense Burning, with Removable Finial or lid, Foo Dogs, Collectible,

This intricately hand-carved vintage Chinese censer (incense burner) is really beautiful. It is made of soapstone and features three Fu/Foo dogs, one in the middle, and one on either side. The one in the middle is actually a finial that sits in the central urn and can be removed to burn your incense.

The Fu/ Foo Dog is a symbol of strength, power, and protection. In feng shui, it is believed that the Fu/Foo dog can help to protect your home or business from negative energy. It is also used as a feng shui enhancer, improving luck, health, and wealth in one's space.

This one is at least 20 years old, but research would tend to suggest that it's even older than that. It's in very good condition. The only flaw seems to be a thin chip on the finial itself, which can be seen in one of the pictures. Fortunately it is hidden when placed in the urn.

Our censer measures approximately 6 1/2 inches in height, and 7 inches in width. It's approximately 2 inches in depth. The color is really nice, not washed out like many of them, kind of terra cotta in places. It weighs just under 1 1/2 pounds.

This was originally owned by my mother, who jus loved Asian art. It definitely can be considered vintage, since it was purchased in the early 1980's. It may, however, be even older than that if the research is accurate. Some say these originated in the 1930's. I know it was a collector's item when my mother bought it. Like many of her other treasures, this was not placed out on display. In fact, my mother kept it wrapped up and virtually hidden in one of her drawers. (I know; what's the point?!)