Vintage Chinese Bronze Recumbent Horse Censer, Patinated With Pierced Openwork Saddle Lid

Details

Description

This is a charming and whimsical vintage bronze incense burner (censer) featuring a Tang-style horse with a small monkey perched … Read more This is a charming and whimsical vintage bronze incense burner (censer) featuring a Tang-style horse with a small monkey perched on its back. Rich in cultural symbolism and detailed metalwork, it serves as a unique and engaging accent for a bookshelf, desk, or mantle.

Design Details:

Cultural Motif: The combination of a monkey on a horse is a classic Chinese visual pun. In Mandarin, "马上" (on a horse) sounds like "immediately," and "猴" (monkey) sounds like "侯" (high official). Together, "马上封侯" translates to "immediate promotion to a high rank," making it a traditional symbol of career success and good fortune.

The Figures: The horse features a plump, sturdy body with a stylized, outward-curving mane and a detailed saddle. The monkey sits perched on the horse's hindquarters, holding what appears to be a peach or an ingot.

Reticulated Saddle: The saddle blanket area is crafted with an openwork (reticulated) geometric lattice, functioning as the lid to allow incense smoke to escape.

Patina: The piece exhibits a rich, dark bronze patina with warm, gold-toned highlights (gilt remnants) on the raised details, giving it a beautiful, antique character.

Dimensions:

Length: 6.3 inches (approx. 16 cm)

Width: 3.1 inches (approx. 8 cm)

Height: 7.1 inches (approx. 18 cm)

Weight: 2.1 lbs (approx. 0.95 kg) See less