Bronze Censer with Lion Finial, Dragon Handles & Interlocking Lotus Pattern, Marked Daming Xuande Nianzhi, Qing Dynasty, 17th–19th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Overall height 21 cm (8.27 inches), maximum width 17 cm (6.69 inches), weight 1765 grams. Condition and Provenance: This incense burner is cast from high-quality bronze and includes the body, openwork lid, and three animal feet, in complete set. No cracks, repairs, or defects. The overall color is a natural deep reddish-brown bronze, with a thick surface, untouched by artificial coloring or chemical cleaning. All engraved decorations, including openwork lotus flowers, floral reliefs, and mythical beasts, are clearly defined with only slight natural wear. The base bears a square six-character mark: “Made in the Xuande period of the Great Ming Dynasty.” This bronze incense burner was once a treasured possession of a Chinese scholar's study. Twenty years ago, it entered the overseas market and is now in the collection of a private bronze collector in San Francisco, California, USA. Ancient Chinese bronze incense burners are primarily traded in the California and New York markets. Description: This Qing Dynasty Xuande-style incense burner is a fine classical bronze piece, suitable for use in the study of an ancient Chinese scholar. The incense burner consists of two parts: the body and the openwork lid. The smoke cap is entirely openwork, decorated with a lotus scroll pattern, and topped with a standing divine lion, used for releasing smoke. A pair of coiled dragon-shaped handles are symmetrically connected to the shoulders of the burner, their forms vivid and powerful. The entire body of the burner is carved with flowing, lifelike blooming lotuses, supported by three sturdy animal-head feet. The bottom is inscribed with a standard six-character Xuande mark (a forgery). The bronze burner is thick and solid, with a natural deep red patina on its surface. This artwork combines the form of a ritual vessel, relief carving, and openwork techniques, and could have been used for Buddhist worship, the study of incense ceremony, and interior decoration. Well-preserved and meticulously crafted Qing Dynasty bronze incense burners are extremely rare on the market, highly sought after by bronze collectors in both the East and West, and are an ideal choice for classical Chinese interior decoration.

图片