Petite Chinese Bronze Censer With Elephant Handles, C. 1700

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Description

Designed to hold burning incense, censer bowls have been used throughout China for thousands of years. Incense made from dried … Read more Designed to hold burning incense, censer bowls have been used throughout China for thousands of years. Incense made from dried aromatic plants and essential oils would be burned within the home to cleanse interiors and honor ancestors during ritual prayer.

This antique Chinese censer was cast of bronze in the 17th or 18th century, molded to a rounded shape with a pedestal base and elephant-form handles. Petite in scale, the bronze censer lives on a precious keepsake of the past, darkened by a rich patina only time can achieve.

Stamped with reign mark of the Xuande period (1425-35). See less