Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE (1810–1892) Incense burner decorated with a Chinese poem, gilded bronze, signed ‘F. BARBEDIENNE’, 12 x 9.5 cm. Note: Approximate translation of the poem: “Poem composed by the Emperor on the incense tray. When stood upright, it reaches the farthest reaches of the three worlds; when laid flat, it extends in all ten directions. From a speck of dust, it traces the Wheel of the Law; the mingled fragrances nourish contemplation through the sense of smell. The fragrant smoke rises at length, and, as it curls, blissfully forms the light of the symbol 卍".