Daoguang 6th Year Marked Bronze Censer with Double Dragon Ears & Four Beast Feet, Complete with Zitan Lid, Hetian Jade Knob & Matching Zitan Stand, Qing Dynasty Daoguang Era, 19th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: The bronze incense burner measures 19 cm (7.48 inches) in total length, 4 cm (1.57 inches) in height, and weighs 1582 grams. Condition and Provenance: The bronze body is intact, without cracks, repairs, or holes. The original natural red copper color is well-preserved, formed over centuries of incense burning. The interior retains aged incense ash and a small amount of natural malachite color, unaffected by acid washing or excessive polishing. The three-dimensionally carved dragon-head handles on both sides are intact, with the delicate dragon motif showing no wear or damage. The four cloud-patterned animal feet are also intact. The rectangular inscription "Made in the sixth year of the Daoguang reign" on the bottom is clear and deep, without fading or wear. The matching rosewood carved lid is intact, with complete ruyi cloud pattern carvings. The peach-shaped Hetian white jade knob on the top is intact, and the rosewood base is complete, with its openwork design also well-preserved. All components, including the lid, jade knob, bronze incense burner, and wooden base, are original and have not been replaced. This incense burner originated from the study of a scholar in Jiangnan during the late Qing Dynasty. It passed through the hands of a Hong Kong antique dealer during the Republic of China period and is now in the collection of a private collector of antique bronzes in San Francisco, California. Description: This bronze incense burner was cast during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a classic oval basin-shaped incense burner used in traditional Chinese scholar's studies for incense burning rituals. It has been preserved to this day with its original complete accessories: a carved rosewood lid, a natural Hetian jade knob, and a rosewood base from the same period—such a complete set is extremely rare. The entire incense burner is cast from high-purity red copper using a sand mold, forming an open oval basin shape with gently sloping walls. Symmetrical large dragon-head handles extend from both sides, with flowing and delicate whiskers carved on the dragon heads. Each dragon ear is decorated with lifelike miniature dragons, showcasing richly layered relief carving techniques. Four cloud-patterned animal claw feet firmly support the incense burner, giving it an elegant and stable appearance. The bottom center is engraved with a rectangular Japanese casting mark, "Made in the sixth year of Daoguang," which is the official standard inscription for authenticating the age of artifacts. The matching solid rosewood lid is carved with three auspicious cloud patterns to facilitate the flow of incense smoke. The top is fitted with a polished Hetian white jade peach-shaped handle; the jade is smooth and delicate, and the carving is simple yet exquisite, making it easy to lift. The matching rosewood display stand is rectangular and openwork, with rounded, smooth edges, perfectly showcasing the bronze incense burner. The bronze surface exhibits a natural reddish-brown bronze luster, a soft matte texture formed by centuries of incense burning. The interior retains traces of ancient incense, untouched by artificial aging. This Daoguang-era bronze incense burner follows the classic casting techniques of the Xuande period and uses a refined copper alloy, giving it a substantial feel. The dragon motif symbolizes wealth, longevity, and peace, making it a high-end incense burner treasured by literati and scholars in the mid-Qing dynasty. A well-preserved bronze incense burner with a clear Daoguang mark and complete jade and wood decorations is extremely rare in the world's antique market and is highly sought after by bronze collectors on the West Coast of the United States. It possesses three key values: timeless Eastern study aesthetics, practical ancient incense burner craftsmanship, and important historical documentation of Qing Dynasty bronze-making techniques, making it an ideal long-term collection for private galleries and traditional Chinese tea rooms in North America.

图片