Two large early 19th century Chinese bronze Foo Dog/temple lion incense burners,c1820. Both are beautifully cast and heavy (combined weight 2.8kg) .With fine detail to the features, teeth, feet etc they are depicted in the traditional open mouth position with teeth showing and have lovely decorative flourishes. One has the void on its back to allow incense to be placed inside and for the smoke to escape while the other has the opening under its belly to enable incense to be positioned underneath it. Both are in very good condition with no obvious defects and have great colour/patina after years of handling and use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view them or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 21cm tall x 18cm wide x 9cm deep and 13cm tall x 20cm wide x 8cm deep, combined weight 2.8kg.

Physical Dimensions

Height

21cm (8.27")

Width

18cm (7.09")

Depth

9cm (3.54")

Declaration

Curious Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Censer Pair to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1091151

Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description

Two large early 19th century Chinese bronze Foo Dog/temple lion incense burners,c1820. Both are beautifully cast and heavy (combined weight 2.8kg) .

“

With fine detail to the features, teeth, feet etc they are depicted in the traditional open mouth position with teeth showing and have lovely decorative flourishes.

Curious Antiques

One has the void on its back to allow incense to be placed inside and for the smoke to escape while the other has the opening under its belly to enable incense to be positioned underneath it. Both are in very good condition with no obvious defects and have great colour/patina after years of handling and use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view them or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 21cm tall x 18cm wide x 9cm deep and 13cm tall x 20cm wide x 8cm deep, combined weight 2.8kg.

Physical Dimensions

Height

21cm (8.27")

Width

18cm (7.09")

Depth

9cm (3.54")

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Censer Pair to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1091151

About the Dealer

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015

Dealer Profile

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A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths.

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Archive I

2 Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Incense Burners, C 1820

Archive II

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View II

Archive III

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View III

Archive IV

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View IV

Archive V

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View V

Archive VI

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View VI

Archive VII

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View VII

Archive VIII

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View VIII

Archive IX

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View IX

Archive X

A pair of antique cast bronze Chinese foo dog incense burners with carved scroll details and open mouths. View X

Chinese Foo Dogs, or guardian lions, represent protective symbols in traditional Chinese culture, frequently depicted guarding sacred spaces and homes. When rendered as censers, these bronze zoomorphic figures served both ritualistic and utilitarian purposes, diffusing incense smoke through open mouths or carved perforations during religious ceremonies and domestic burnings.

19th-century Chinese censers were primarily crafted from copper alloys, brass, and cast bronze using the lost-wax casting method. Following casting, artisan metalworkers hand-chased surface details such as fur swirls, scales, and facial features before applying chemical patinations or heat treatments to achieve tonal depth.

Authentic pieces from the 19th century feature characteristic hand-finishing, including precise tool marks from hand-chasing rather than uniform machine stamping. Additionally, examine the weight, natural surface oxidisation, age-related wear around core apertures, and interior casting irregularities typical of historic foundry techniques.

Antique bronze objects serve as compelling sculptural accents on mantelpieces, bookshelves, or sideboards. Modern interior designers frequently pair patinated metalwork with contemporary textures, contrasting dark metal tones against neutral backdrops or grouping them alongside art glass and books.

Maintain patinated bronze by dusting regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth or camel-hair brush. Avoid chemical polishes, abrasive cleansers, or water immersion, which can strip historic patination; an optional light application of microcrystalline wax can preserve the metal surface.

Curious Antiques

2 Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Incense Burners, C 1820

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2 Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Incense Burners, C 1820

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