Qing Dynasty Gilt-Speckled Bronze Censer with Twin Beast Handles, Qilin Finial & Hollow Bat Motifs with Matching Stand

拍品描述

Dimensions：Overall height 18 cm (7.1 in), maximum width 24 cm (9.4 in), net weight 3477 grams, 17th–20th Century CECondition & Provenance：This complete set includes the main censer, pierced lid and original bronze stand with zero missing components. There are no deep cracks, major dents or soldered restorations. Random scattered gold flecks adhere firmly to the russet bronze body with no large-scale loss of gilding, wrapped in authentic soft antique patina accumulated over generations. The hollow bat carvings on the lid stay intact, the lion finial has no chipped edges, the two beast-head handles retain crisp defined features, and natural incense soot coats the interior cavity from centuries of burning incense. The square cast six-character mark “Da Ming Xuan De Nian Zhi” on the base is deeply carved and legible. The matching stand’s three cloud scroll feet remain intact, only faint light wear exists along edges from long-term handling; no artificial aging, later added gold flecks or altered carved marks are present. Classified as bronze ware, this censer has been privately preserved within a multi-generational antique bronze collector’s family based in San Francisco, California, USA. It comes with full family collection records, original vintage Sotheby’s New York auction catalog and an official authoritative appraisal certificate for Chinese metal artworks.Description：This complete gilt-speckled bronze incense burner set from the Qing Dynasty represents a top-tier scholarly display bronze vessel, carrying forward the sophisticated bronze casting techniques of Ming Xuande censers and standing as a prime example of Qing-period Xuande-style bronze reproductions. The entire piece is cast from refined dense red bronze with substantial weight and solid heft. It follows a classic flattened bulbous bowl shape with a gently contracted rim, paired with symmetrical three-dimensional beast-head handles extending outward from both sides. Each beast head features meticulously carved facial features, defined manes and vivid eyes, delivering solemn and primitive artistic charm. The lid is crafted with elaborate openwork hollow carving, decorated all around with the Five Blessings longevity motif featuring interwoven bats and swirling clouds. The balanced hollow openings allow incense smoke to flow freely during use. Centered atop the lid sits a raised three-dimensional mythical lion finial, roaring with curled mane and flowing tail, its four paws firmly planted on the lid surface with deeply layered carving and ultra-fine minute detailing. The whole bronze surface bears a warm jujube-red natural patina, hand-dotted with irregular scattered gold flecks across the censer body, lid and matching stand. The uneven gold patches vary in size with soft restrained golden luster, creating an elegant luxurious contrast against the deep red bronze base. A bold six-character regular script mark “Da Ming Xuan De Nian Zhi” is cast in relief within a square frame on the base; the calligraphy is powerful and well-proportioned with deep crisp carving and smooth polished mark ground, a standard mark style for Qing Xuande imitations. The matching stand is crafted from identical red bronze with matching gilt speckle treatment, supported by three elegant curved cloud scroll feet perfectly contoured to fit the censer base. Surviving complete bronze censer sets with original matching stands are extremely rare in today’s global market. This artifact integrates multiple complex crafts including bronze casting, hollow relief carving and hand gilt speckling, functioning both as a practical incense burner and a high-end decorative display piece for traditional Chinese studies. Bat patterns symbolize the arrival of five blessings while the lion finial represents house protection and fortune attraction, embodying profound traditional auspicious cultural symbolism. Collectors all across North America constantly compete for intact complete gilt bronze Xuande-style censers from the Qing Dynasty. This specimen boasts flawless craftsmanship, pristine original condition and fully documented provenance, meeting museum-grade collection standards, with outstanding value for bronze craft research, classical study room aesthetics and long-term asset preservation.

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