A very fine antique Chinese bronze covered censer, cast in a slightly tapered globular body, gently flared to the rim, raised on prominent footed base, two lion masks emerged under the rim. The dome wooden lid decorated with open-work carving of scrolling floral motif enclosed within four Fu bat shaped cartouches, radiating toward the red-coral finial. Exquisitely displayed upon carved hardwood stand in form of Fu bats. the metal patinated to a warm dark brown tone and some milky blue-green encrustation on the interior.Mark on base, a seal mark with four seal script characters. Measurements: 7-1/4" W x 2-1/2" H (Stand): 2" H LOT NOTES: Coral (shanhu) is included as one of the Eight Treasures and symbolizes longevity and official promotion.As a symbol of longevity, the Chinese have traditionally believed that coral represents an "iron tree" (tieshu) that grew under the sea and blossomed only once every hundred years.Red coral is considered particularly auspicious because the Chinese believe the color red signifies good luck, good fortune, and happiness.Coral resembles deer antlers and deer are symbols of longevity.Coral is also a symbol of official promotion because a coral button on the hat identified one of the nine grades of government officials.