Censers were used on Tibetan altars for the ritualized burning of incense, which is typically made in Tibet of powdered juniper leaves mixed with herbs and fragrances such as sandalwood, saffron, and musk. To increase the dissemination of the incense smoke, the perforated vessels were often swung by chains attached to lugs. See also M.83.26.2a-b and M.83.26.3a-b. The censer has a globular body supported by three feet in the form of a lion’s paw. It has a short neck with a flared rim. The cover is dome-shaped with an acorn finial. The partially openwork surface is richly adorned with flowering scrolls with geometric borders and a basal band of complex lappets. The primary decoration is a horizontal band around the waist that features on opposing sides two undulating dragons and two of the Seven Possessions of the Universal Monarch (chakravartin): The Precious Wheel (chakraratna) representing the Buddhist dharma and the wish-fulfilling Precious Jewel (maniratna). The two possessions are highlighted with gilding to emphasize their cultural importance. Around his shoulders is a band with a floral scroll interspersed with auspicious symbols, including a conch, bamboo, leaf, sword, books, scrolls, and thread-crosses (spirit-catchers). The pierced dome is embellished with a dragon and phoenix. On the bottom is an incised crossed vajra (vishvavajra). In the center is a tripartite spinning “wheel of joy” (gankyil) motif, which is similar to the Chinese yin-yang symbol.