Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Ge Ware Censer to the 17th Century.
Late Ming Dynasty, with a Bespoke 18th Century Qing Dynasty Zitan and Coral Cover
Provenance: Acquired from a Distinguished Dealer in Tokyo, Japan
The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
We are delighted to present a jewel-like masterpiece of the Chinese Scholar’s Studio (Wenfang). Standing at an intimate 6.3 cm in height and measuring 5 cm from handle to handle, this rare miniature tripod censer encapsulates centuries of elite aesthetic appreciation.
The compressed globular ceramic body is a masterclass in archaistic revival, expertly potted during the Late Ming Dynasty (16th–17th Century). It features a thick, luminous, olive-toned Ge-type glaze defined by a prominent, wide-network crackle. The vessel rises on three short conical feet, leaving the dense stoneware paste unglazed at the tips to reveal the classic, oxidized "iron foot" (tiezu) so intensely coveted by generations of collectors. A dramatic, natural iron spot on the rim adds irreplaceable character, serving as a celebrated hallmark of early kiln dynamics.
Proving its status as a highly treasured heirloom, this Ming vessel was later enhanced during the height of the Qing Dynasty (18th Century / Qianlong Period). A wealthy connoisseur commissioned a master craftsman to carve a bespoke dome cover from imperial Zitan wood. The dense, silky grain of the Zitan is beautifully counterbalanced by a finely carved, naturally porous red coral finial, shaped as a miniature scholar's rock. The lid features precise, custom-cut notches that seamlessly embrace the censer’s upright loop handles—a breathtaking marriage of materials and eras.
Sourced directly from a dealer in Tokyo, Japan, this piece boasts an impeccable market lineage. Japanese collectors have long been regarded as the world’s most discerning guardians of early Chinese monochrome glazes. This tiny censer, designed for the contemplation of a single precious pellet of agarwood, represents a rare opportunity to acquire an intact, historically significant statement piece with flawless provenance.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Ge Ware 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
An Rare Miniature 'Ge'-type Tripod Censer Late Ming Dynasty, with a Bespoke 18th Century Qing Dynasty Zitan and Coral Cover
