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ID #SA1226364
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£9,500
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A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-century Ming Dynasty
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €11,115     $12,065
£9,500
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-century Ming Dynasty

16th century
Description

A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-Century Ming Dynasty

Presented is an exceptional and heavy Chinese bronze tripod censer dating from the late 16th-century Ming Dynasty.

​Dimensions & Weight: The censer measures 27 cm x 24 cm and possesses a substantial weight of 3.94 kg.

​Motifs & Design: The globular exterior is dynamically cast in high relief with powerful, writhing dragons pursuing the flaming pearl of wisdom amidst stylized cloud scrolls. The composition is structured by raised vertical flanges that lead downward to three robust, short cabriole tripod feet.

​Handles & Form: The vessel is flanked by a pair of upright loop handles seamlessly integrated into the clean, rolled rim.

​Condition & Patina: The rich, dark brown-to-black surface features a stable, aged patina with natural verdigris highlights breaking through the high-relief details, alongside minor handling wear and authentic scuffing to the base consistent with its age and history.

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1226364
Description
A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-Century Ming Dynasty
“
Presented is an exceptional and heavy Chinese bronze tripod censer dating from the late 16th-century Ming Dynasty.
Sandbanks Antiques

​Dimensions & Weight: The censer measures 27 cm x 24 cm and possesses a substantial weight of 3.94 kg.

fig 1. A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.
fig 1. A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-century Ming Dynasty

​Motifs & Design: The globular exterior is dynamically cast in high relief with powerful, writhing dragons pursuing the flaming pearl of wisdom amidst stylized cloud scrolls. The composition is structured by raised vertical flanges that lead downward to three robust, short cabriole tripod feet.

fig 2. A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.
fig 2. A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-century Ming Dynasty

​Handles & Form: The vessel is flanked by a pair of upright loop handles seamlessly integrated into the clean, rolled rim.

​Condition & Patina: The rich, dark brown-to-black surface features a stable, aged patina with natural verdigris highlights breaking through the high-relief details, alongside minor handling wear and authentic scuffing to the base consistent with its age and history.

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1226364
Sandbanks Antiques
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 dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.
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Archive I A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.

A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-Century Ming Dynasty

Archive II A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View II
Archive III A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View III
Archive IV A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View IV
Archive V A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View V
Archive VI A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View VI
Archive VII A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View VII
Archive VIII A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View VIII
Archive IX A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View IX
Archive X A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior. View X
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Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 174
Items Sold 79
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
174
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A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.
A Fine Large Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer, Late 16th-Century Ming Dynasty
Ref: SA1226364
A dark cast bronze tripod censer with loop handles, low feet, and dragon motifs in relief across the exterior.
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FAQs

A Chinese tripod bronze censer, often derived from classical ancient bronze ding forms, is a three-legged vessel designed for burning incense during ancestral rituals, religious ceremonies, or scholar practice.

Ming dynasty censers were typically produced using lost-wax casting or piece-mould techniques, combining copper alloys with trace metals to achieve detailed relief decoration and heavy walls.

Authentic censers feature natural surface patination and oxidisation developed over centuries, along with period-appropriate casting marks, relief carving styles, and loop handle proportions.

An antique bronze censer functions effectively as a sculptural focal point placed on a sideboard, console table, or display shelf alongside minimalist decor and natural textures.

Preserve antique bronze by dusting gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid solvents or chemical polishes that strip the historical surface patina.
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