The animal is modelled standing four-square, its head held upright, eyes bulging alertly beneath a single horn, mouth opened to reveal sharp fangs, tail curled upwards, the body is decorated with ruyi clouds and spirals.
Bronze censers made in the count of Xuande period in the Ming dynasty are famous for their exceptional materials and craftsmanship.

銅胎，獸四足直立，昂首目視前方，張口露齒，尾上翹。全器以鎏金裝飾，五官、尖牙、獨角、指爪、毛髮和項飾等，皆刻劃細膩精緻，身上更飾有如意紋和渦紋等。胸前有「大明宣德年製」六字單行楷款。
明代宣德年間宮廷鑄造的銅質香爐，有別於常見銅器，多由黃銅鑄成，質地優良，工藝精湛，堪稱佳品。

16cm high; 12.5cm wide; 12.4cm deep