What is a Chinese bronze censer?

A Chinese bronze censer is a vessel designed for burning incense, historically used in religious rituals, ancestral worship, and scholar studies across China.

How were traditional 19th-century Chinese bronze censers constructed?

These censers were typically produced using lost-wax casting or sand casting techniques, finished with chased relief details and chemical or natural patination.

How can authentic 19th-century Chinese bronze censers be identified?

Authenticity is evaluated through cast detail precision, hand-chased relief work, weight, cast marks on the base, and naturally aged oxidation or verdigris.

How do you style a Chinese bronze censer in a modern interior?

Place the censer as a focal piece on a sideboard, mantelpiece, or shelf, pairing it with neutral textures to highlight the oxidized bronze tones.

How should aged bronze censers with verdigris patinas be maintained?

Dust gently with a soft dry brush or microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid chemicals or abrasive polishes that strip the historic surface patination.

for sale €1,112 $1,207

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Monumental 19th Century Chinese Bronze Censer with Dragon & Mask Handles, 39cm, 5kg

Name: Monumental 19th Century Chinese Bronze Censer with Dragon & Mask Handles, 39cm, 5kg
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1149249
Price: 950 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

A monumental 19th century Chinese bronze censer, possibly earlier. Substantial size and weight (height 23.5 cm, width across handles 39 cm, diameter without handles 32 cm, weight 5059g). Robust tripod form, decorated with bold relief dragons and auspicious motifs, and featuring impressive mask handles. The bronze shows a deep natural patina consistent with age.

Condition: The vessel has several small holes to the undersides of the feet, likely due to wear of the bronze over time. Otherwise in good original condition for its age, with minor surface marks and wear consistent with long use.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Bronze Dragon Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1149249

Description

A monumental 19th century Chinese bronze censer, possibly earlier. Substantial size and weight (height 23.5 cm, width across handles 39 cm, diameter without handles 32 cm, weight 5059g).

“

Robust tripod form, decorated with bold relief dragons and auspicious motifs, and featuring impressive mask handles.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

The bronze shows a deep natural patina consistent with age.

fig 1. A tripod Chinese bronze censer decorated with raised dragon motifs, mask handles, and a verdigris surface finish. — fig 1. Monumental 19th Century Chinese Bronze Censer with Dragon & Mask Handles, 39cm, 5kg

Condition: The vessel has several small holes to the undersides of the feet, likely due to wear of the bronze over time. Otherwise in good original condition for its age, with minor surface marks and wear consistent with long use.

fig 2. A tripod Chinese bronze censer decorated with raised dragon motifs, mask handles, and a verdigris surface finish. — fig 2. Monumental 19th Century Chinese Bronze Censer with Dragon & Mask Handles, 39cm, 5kg

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Bronze Dragon Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1149249

About the Dealer

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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