Search 0
4,364  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
LATEST STOCK
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1222152
FOR SALE
£5,900
Email
Save
Early 19th Century Chinese Cast Iron Temple Bath with Script
Martlesham Antiques
for sale €6,903     $7,493
£5,900

Martlesham Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2008
View Dealers Stock Page
  • Trade Associations
    Martlesham Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 
Relevant Links
Id #SA1222152
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Early 19th Century Chinese Cast Iron Temple Bath with Script

19th century
Description

An early 19th Century Chinese cast iron temple bath from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Featuring repoussé lotus motifs and floral designs along the sides, having the original four cast iron ring handles and standing on decorative mythical creature feet. These vessels were typically used as water baths or ritual troughs in Buddhist or Taoist temples. The lotus petal border (visible around the base of the handle) is a classic symbol of purity in these traditions.

On one side of the bath there is an inscription of the Chinese reign mark which indicates the specific year it was purportedly made which states "19th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign" which corresponds to the year 1754 (The Qianlong Period (1736–1795): This era is considered a "golden age" for Chinese craftsmanship)

A beautiful aesthetic piece for the interior of a home or for in the garden or on a terrace. Circa 1840.

36 1/2" x 21" x 16 3/4" high

93cms x 54cms x 43cms high

Physical Dimensions
Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
93cm (36.61")
Depth
54cm (21.26")
Declaration

Martlesham Antiques has dated this Chinese Cast Iron Basin to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1222152
Dealers Internal Reference
3813
Dealers Notes

Free shipping within mainland UK

We ship worldwide, please email for a shipping quote.

Martlesham Antiques is a family run business and has been trading since 1984. Located in Suffolk just outside Woodbridge, Martlesham Antiques is run from a spacious thatched cottage housing nine large showrooms with a vast adjacent car park.

Specialising in 18th and 19th Century furniture, together with creating custom hand-made furniture which is supplied to various interior designers, trade and the retail market. Every piece on the showroom floor is in excellent condition and ready to go straight into the buyers home or premises.

All of Martlesham Antiques furniture is hand polished by their own French polishers and restorers to a very high standard. We are also a member of LAPADA, the association of art and antiques.

Description
An early 19th Century Chinese cast iron temple bath from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Featuring repoussé lotus motifs and floral designs along the sides, having the original four cast iron ring handles and standing on decorative mythical creature feet. These vessels were typically used as water baths or ritual troughs in Buddhist or Taoist temples.
“
The lotus petal border (visible around the base of the handle) is a classic symbol of purity in these traditions.
Martlesham Antiques
fig 1. An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet.
fig 1. Early 19th Century Chinese Cast Iron Temple Bath with Script

On one side of the bath there is an inscription of the Chinese reign mark which indicates the specific year it was purportedly made which states "19th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign" which corresponds to the year 1754 (The Qianlong Period (1736–1795): This era is considered a "golden age" for Chinese craftsmanship)

A beautiful aesthetic piece for the interior of a home or for in the garden or on a terrace. Circa 1840.

36 1/2" x 21" x 16 3/4" high

93cms x 54cms x 43cms high

Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
93cm (36.61")
Depth
54cm (21.26")
Date of Manufacture

Martlesham Antiques has dated this Chinese Cast Iron Basin to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1222152
Dealers Internal Ref
3813
Martlesham Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2008
Dealer Profile

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

Trade Associations

Martlesham Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 

PDF SHARE
SAVE
An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet.
1 / 11
Archive I An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet.

Early 19th Century Chinese Cast Iron Temple Bath with Script

Archive II An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View II
Archive III An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View III
Archive IV An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View IV
Archive V An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View V
Archive VI An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View VI
Archive VII An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View VII
Archive VIII An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View VIII
Archive IX An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View IX
Archive X An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View X
Archive XI An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet. View XI
Enlarged Archival View

Martlesham Antiques
Telephone 01394 386732
Location
The Thatched Roadhouse
Main Rd
Martlesham
Suffolk
IP12 4RJ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/martlesham
Verified Since Jan 2008
Items For Sale 301
Items Sold 2,211
Martlesham Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2008
View Dealer Info
Location: The Thatched Roadhouse, Main Rd, Martlesham, Suffolk, IP12 4RJ, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/martlesham
Verified
Jan 2008
For Sale
301
Sold
2,211
An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet.
Early 19th Century Chinese cast iron temple bath with script
Ref: SA1222152
An early nineteenth-century Chinese cast iron temple bath featuring raised floral carvings, side ring handles, and lion mask feet.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

Historically used in Qing Dynasty temples and formal gardens, these heavy cast iron basins held water for ritual ablutions, aquatic plants, or fire prevention. They frequently feature cast relief panels depicting floral symbolism, auspicious characters, and zoomorphic elements.

These vessels were created using multi-piece sand-casting moulds, allowing intricate raised decoration such as peony panels, characters, and side rings to be cast directly into the iron. The surface was then finished by hand to crisp the exterior details.

Authentic pieces exhibit visible seam lines from multi-piece moulds, heavy structural weight, and natural surface oxidisation rather than modern chemical distressing. The relief carving typically shows soft wear consistent with long-term exposure to the elements.

These vessels function as statement garden planters, courtyard water features, or dramatic indoor containers for logs or botanical displays. Their dark patina and structured form contrast effectively against natural stone or minimalist landscaping.

To preserve the metal, ensure proper drainage if used as a planter to prevent standing water from accelerating internal rust. Periodically apply microcrystalline wax or linseed oil to protect the exterior patina from harsh frost and moisture.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories