Boshanlu (universal mountain censer) or boshan xianglu is a type of censer commonly used during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The censers are shaped like mountains and were used for religious rituals. The shape of the hill censer acts as a visual aid for envisioning the sacred mountains that were said to have been inhabited Taoist immortals. Originally designed for Taoist rituals, they were later used by Chinese Buddhists. This one is richly inlaid with gold and silver andfeatures a bat head projecting from the front and numerous animals being pursued by predators. 4.5 x 4.75 inches.