Late 19th Century Bronze Censer With Seated Buddha Finial and Archaic Motifs

Details

Description

This is a substantial and intricately cast bronze censer (incense burner), featuring a dark, rich patina with subtle reddish-brown highlights. … Read more This is a substantial and intricately cast bronze censer (incense burner), featuring a dark, rich patina with subtle reddish-brown highlights. The vessel has a classic tripod form, supported by three stout legs with stylized beast-mask tops. The bulbous body is heavily decorated with raised, swirling archaic-style motifs, including stylized dragon forms and geometric patterns.

The domed lid is pierced with openwork designs featuring floral rosettes and a central bat motif (a symbol of good fortune), allowing incense smoke to escape. It is topped with a detailed, seated Buddha finial in a meditative pose. The sides are flanked by two prominent handles, each sculpted as a dragon head with a curving loop.

A recessed rectangular seal containing six characters (reading "大明宣德年製" - Made in the Great Ming Xuande Period) is visible on the side of the vessel. The interior of the censer shows a significant amount of green oxidation, indicating age and use. This heavy, eye-catching piece serves as a stunning focal point for a mantel, shelf, or collector's display.

Dimensions:

Length: 14 cm (approx. 5.5 inches)

Width: 8.5 cm (approx. 3.3 inches)

Height: 17 cm (approx. 6.7 inches)

Weight: 558 grams (approx. 1.2 lbs) See less