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AI Appraisal
Description
Not quite sure what this is? Incense burner, there are noe markings...
Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
brass
Condition
Excellent
History
It's definately antique
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Re: Antique burner
What you have there is a piece of cooking equipment called Chinese hot pot, also known as a fire pot, steamboat or a Mongolian hot pot, and they're a lot of fun. If you look down the center part, called the chimney, you should see a metal grate. You put hot coals down the chimney (put a fireproof plate beneath the grate) and fill the surrounding basin with a mild broth. Each person dips a variety of thinly-sliced or quick cooking foods into the broth to cook them, which they then eat with several dipping sauces. The meat and vegetables make the broth so flavorful that it's served in bowls with noodles.
I can't see much of your hot pot, but it doesn't seem especially ornamented. Just by looking I'd guess this was from between 1955-1970 when the American fondue craze made hot pots and other dip-and-dine parties fashionable. Vintage hot pots that appear similar to yours are often available for $50-$200, but I hope you keep yours and have fun!