Dimensions: 6in H x 6.75in W x 6.75in DA Fine Antique Chinese Liao Dynasty Period, silver tripod Censer. The silver carved in a cupped body, wide circular opening, short neck, globular body, slightly oval, two Amitabha monk handles flanked on either side, raised with three cabriolet legs-foot supports. The exterior carved with snarling huge imperial five claws dragon careening through cumulus clouds above thrashing Li-shui waves in a dark brown color dragon squama to chasing flaming pearl amidst flames. Dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, eternity, Yang and Yin, male vigor and fecundity, the Li-shui wave pattern which is known to be the abode of dragons. The dragon is also the most important of the four super natural creatures in Chinese mythology, ranked with the Phoenix, the Qilin, and the Tortoise. The dragon is also the symbol of the month March, of Spring and of rebirth and fertility for it brings the rain bearing clouds of spring. When shown with the heavenly pearl, sometimes ball, it represents thunder and the storm. Emblem of vigilance and safety, and frequently associated with the idea of joy. There is minimal marring of the surface.