Monumental Vintage Bronze Bird & Beast Incense Burner – Archaic Style Censer With Inscription

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Description

This is a monumental and highly detailed vintage Chinese bronze incense burner (censer), crafted in the archaic ritual style of … Read more This is a monumental and highly detailed vintage Chinese bronze incense burner (censer), crafted in the archaic ritual style of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The vessel features a large, spherical body supported by three thick legs, each cast with a detailed, relief-decorated guardian figure or beast mask at the top. A prominent, long-necked bird head with an open beak rises from one side, while a stylized dragon-form handle curves from the opposite side. The domed lid is exquisitely cast with intricate, openwork (pierced) decoration of intertwined dragons and clouds, topped by a small standing bird finial. The surface exhibits a heavy, natural patina with a mottled blend of dark brown, deep green, and blue-green verdigris. A band of incised characters (likely a commemorative or pseudo-archaic inscription) is visible on the lower body. This is a substantial, museum-quality display piece.

Dimensions & Measurements:

Height: 36 cm (approx. 14.17 inches)

Width: 31 cm (approx. 12.20 inches)

Weight: approx. 5500 g (approx. 12.13 lbs / 194 oz) See less