Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Kangxi Tripod Porcelain Censer to the 17th Century.
Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period, Circa 1680 - 1700
The Kangxi Blanc de Chine censer is "Published and Illustrated"
"An exceptionally large (28.5cm) and rare 'Blanc de Chine' tripod censer, Kangxi Period, Circa 1680. Decorated in the 'Master of the Rocks' style with scholars in a landscape. Ex-Peter and Mary White Collection."
The exterior is masterfully decorated in vibrant tones of underglaze cobalt blue. The body features three large, lobed cartouches depicting a classic "Scholar in a Landscape" motif. One panel shows a seated dignitary in contemplation beneath a gnarled pine tree; the other portrays a figure amidst dramatic, jagged rockwork—a style famously associated with the "Master of the Rocks" school of painting.
The cartouches are set against a dense, meticulously painted "honeycomb" diaper-pattern ground. The neck is finished with a refined band of geometric "r-shaped" thunder patterns (leiwen) and decorative dots, typical of the high-quality output of the Kangxi era. The glaze is of a characteristic "Blanc de Chine" quality—thick, lustrous, and possessing a warm, ivory-white tone that provides a soft contrast to the crisp blue decoration.
Probably made for a high ranking official or a wealthy scholar- patron due to its size.
Temple grade censer.
Diameter: 28.5 cm (approx. 11.2 inches)
Provenance:
The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
The Peter and Mary White Collection
Acquired in 2000 (collector's notes).
Published and Illustrated: M. White, Living at the Whites' House: Ceramics from the Mary and Peter White Collection, vol.4, n.p, 2023, p.117
The Dehua kiln, typically known for its clear white wares, also produced pieces painted in underglaze blue. An incense burner of similar decoration, 1650-1700, is illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc De Chine, London, 1969, plate 136A.
"The collection of Peter and Mary White is one of the finest to illustrate the meeting of East and West in ceramics." - Professor Christiaan Jörg ***
Condition: Excellent antique condition; showing characteristic 17th-century firing imperfections including minor glaze pulling and iron-spot oxidation (burnt orange patches) under the glaze, consistent with period kiln conditions.
No structural restoration or post-production damage.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Kangxi Tripod Porcelain Censer to the 17th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Large Rare and Important 'Blanc De Chine' (Dehua) Blue and White Tripod Censer - Kangxi Period Circa 1680
