Discovering five phoenixes on 2,000-year-old bronze incense burner

This Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) bronze incense burner is shaped like a phoenix with head held high, wings poised for flight, and a pearl held in its beak. Four small phoenixes adorn its chest, wings and tail. Can you spot them?

The hollow belly holds incense. The delicately curved openings on the back let fragrant smoke drift upward like ethereal clouds. A round base keeps the burner stable while catching falling ash. Both practical and beautiful, this ingenious piece conveys wishes for good fortune and prosperity.

Unearthed in 1989 from a hoard in Jiaozuo, Henan province, it is now housed in the Henan Museum.