for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

Sandbanks Antiques

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Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Name: Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1203243
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Sandbanks Antiques

Description

Presented is an exceptional "Bridge-Ear" (Qiaoer Ru) tripod bronze censer, dating to the 19th Century (Qing Dynasty). This is a "Heavy-Cast" specimen, weighing a substantial 1,085 grams. Unlike modern thin-walled replicas, the density of this vessel provides a profound "heft" in the hand and a remarkable harmonic bell-tone resonance when struck, confirming the high purity of the copper-gold alloy.

The base features a deeply recessed six-character Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi mark, framed by two high-relief "Flesh and Bone" Imperial-style dragons. Of particular note is the Hand-Stippled "Pearled Ground" (Yu-Wen) background—a labour-intensive, hand-tooled finish reserved for high-status workshop commissions. The sculptural depth of the dragons and the fluid symmetry of the "Bridge" handles represent the peak of Qing Dynasty foundry work.

The vessel is enveloped in a natural, aged "Jujube" (Plum-Red) patina with a waxy, translucent luster (Bao Jiang). Natural friction wear to the tripod feet reveals the rich, honey-gold "Noble Metal" beneath the skin.

Technical Specifications:-

Period: 19th Century (Qing Dynasty)

Date of Attribution: Circa 1880

Style: Imperial Archaising Revival

Form: Tripod "Bridge-Ear" (Qiao'er Ru)

Alloy: High-Purity Copper/Noble-Metal "Gold-Base" Bronze

Weight: 1,085g (1.085kg) — Heavy - Cast

Width: 16.5cm (Handle to Handle)

Height: 10cm

Mark: Six-character Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi set in high-relief dragon seal

Resonance: Exceptional harmonic bell-tone

Condition: Good (UV-Checked). No cracks, no repairs, and no structural losses.

Provenance: Private Collection, London - Asian Works of Art

Physical Dimensions

Height

10cm (3.94")

Width

16.5cm (6.50")

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1203243

Description

“

The base features a deeply recessed six-character Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi mark, framed by two high-relief "Flesh and Bone" Imperial-style dragons.

Sandbanks Antiques

Of particular note is the Hand-Stippled "Pearled Ground" (Yu-Wen) background—a labour-intensive, hand-tooled finish reserved for high-status workshop commissions. The sculptural depth of the dragons and the fluid symmetry of the "Bridge" handles represent the peak of Qing Dynasty foundry work.

fig 1. A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. — fig 1. Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

The vessel is enveloped in a natural, aged "Jujube" (Plum-Red) patina with a waxy, translucent luster (Bao Jiang). Natural friction wear to the tripod feet reveals the rich, honey-gold "Noble Metal" beneath the skin.

fig 2. A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. — fig 2. Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Technical Specifications:-

Period: 19th Century (Qing Dynasty)

Date of Attribution: Circa 1880

Style: Imperial Archaising Revival

Form: Tripod "Bridge-Ear" (Qiao'er Ru)

Alloy: High-Purity Copper/Noble-Metal "Gold-Base" Bronze

fig 3. A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. — fig 3. Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Weight: 1,085g (1.085kg) — Heavy - Cast

Width: 16.5cm (Handle to Handle)

Height: 10cm

Mark: Six-character Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi set in high-relief dragon seal

Resonance: Exceptional harmonic bell-tone

Condition: Good (UV-Checked). No cracks, no repairs, and no structural losses.

Provenance: Private Collection, London - Asian Works of Art

Physical Dimensions

Height

10cm (3.94")

Width

16.5cm (6.50")

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1203243

About the Dealer

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

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

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A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background.

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Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Archive II

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View II

Archive III

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View III

Archive IV

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View IV

Archive V

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View V

Archive VI

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View VI

Archive VII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View VII

Archive VIII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View VIII

Archive IX

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View IX

Archive X

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View X

Archive XI

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XI

Archive XII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XII

Archive XIII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XIII

Archive XIV

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XIV

Archive XV

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XV

Archive XVI

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XVI

Archive XVII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XVII

Archive XVIII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XVIII

Archive XIX

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XIX

Archive XX

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XX

Archive XXI

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXI

Archive XXII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXII

Archive XXIII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXIII

Archive XXIV

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXIV

Archive XXV

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXV

Archive XXVI

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXVI

Archive XXVII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXVII

Archive XXVIII

A heavy cast bronze tripod censer with a rounded body, two loop handles, and three tapered legs against a white background. View XXVIII

A Chinese bronze censer is a traditional metal vessel designed for burning incense during religious rituals, ancestor worship, or scholar studio practice. Tripod censers, often styled after ancient bronze forms, feature prominently in Qing dynasty metalwork history.

These vessels were typically produced using the lost-wax casting technique from copper alloys such as bronze and brass. Heavy cast walls and solid conical feet provided stability and high acoustic resonance when struck.

Authentic pieces generally demonstrate substantial weight due to solid bronze casting, natural age-related patination within recesses, and evidence of hand-finishing. Markings, if present on the base, are often cast or incised in seal script.

A bronze censer functions well as a sculptural tabletop accent on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or bookshelf. Pair it with minimalist stone, wood, or ceramic items to highlight its dark metallic finish and classic geometry.

Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to protect the surface patina. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, metal polishes, or abrasive materials, as these can strip historical patination and accelerate unwanted oxidisation.

Sandbanks Antiques

Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Sandbanks Antiques

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Sandbanks Antiques

Master - Cast 19thc. Chinese Bronze Censer – 1.085kg Heavy Cast – Bell- Ring Resonance

Sandbanks Antiques

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What is a Chinese bronze tripod censer?

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