This bronze censer was a daily utensil from the imperial Weiyang Palace of the Western Han Dynasty as suggested from the inscription on the cover. It is entirely gilded with gold and silver and divided into three decorative sections with nine dragon patterns which symbolize the highest imperial power. The base features two open-work dragons biting a bamboo-shaped stem. At the top, three coiled dragons support a censer shaped like the Boshan Mountain—a legendary divine mountain. The upper body is embossed with four golden dragons, their heads upturned as they soar from the sea. The censer demonstrates both utilitarian function and artistic beauty of exquisite decorations, representing not only the luxury and elegance in the art of imperial metalwork during the Western Han Dynasty, but also the religious belief and pursuit of immortality of the Han emperors.