Hill censer

[3] Because hill censers first appeared when beliefs in sacred mountains inhabited by immortals were gaining in popularity, it is commonly thought these objects were crafted to represent these fantastic locations.

Most frequently, hill censers are claimed to be depictions of Mount Penglai, the isle of the immortals located off the eastern coast of China.

Some vessels have a tray as part of the foot support, further suggesting the censer represented a mountain island arising from the sea.

[5] Medieval Chinese sources suggest the close association of hill censers with the imperial court, noting they were used as wedding gifts for princes.

[6] The Han dynasty craftsman and mechanical engineer, Ding Huan, is credited with creating a "nine-storied" hill censer carved with fantastic creatures that could move automatically.

Bronze hill censer inlaid with gold; from the tomb of Liu Sheng, Prince of Zhongshan, at Hebei Mancheng, Western Han period, 2nd century BC