Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Ritual Censer to the 18th Century.
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736–1795)
Description
The compressed bulbous body is flanked by a pair of elegantly proportioned loop handles and rises from a stepped foot onto its original circular, heavy-gauge bronze stand supported by three scroll-molded feet. While commanding enough in its 33 cm scale and substantial heft to serve in an altar context, the refined execution of the mark, the matching custom stand, and the intimacy of the design place it firmly within the elite tradition of high-end scholar's taste (Wenfang Qingwan), crafted for the private studio of a high-ranking literatus or collector.
The base of the censer features a crisply cast, perfectly disciplined six-character imperial-style reign mark (Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi) rendered in regular script (Kaishu) set within a recessed rectangular panel against a controlled dark patinated ground. The deep, unyielding metal gauge, flawless thermal fill of the casting matrix, and rich, warm golden-brown tonality reflect the supreme standards of imperial workshops of the high Qing era. Complete with its matching custom stand, this rare ensemble carries distinguished provenance from the private collection of G.S. May Esquire, bearing the original collection green label numbered 354 & 354A.
Condition Report
Overall Condition: Excellent preservation for an 18th-century ritual bronze. The heavy-gauge metal remains structurally sound, stable, and completely intact with no major dents, fractures, or structural restorations.
Surface & Patina: The exterior exhibits a rich, warm golden-brown tonality with natural surface wear, minor handling marks, and faint patination consistent with age and high-grade scholar's use. The recessed rectangular base panel retains its contrasting dark infill and crisp, undisturbed detail.
Interior: The interior shows expected traces of historical ritual use and burning residue, remaining deep, solid, and undisturbed.
Stand: The matching heavy bronze stand is in matching pristine condition, maintaining its structural integrity, three scroll feet, and consistent golden-brown bronze tonality with the censer.
Object Statistics & Provenance
Period: Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736–1795)
Width: 33 cm
Weight of Censer: 5,360 g
Weight of Stand: 2,058 g
Total Combined Weight: 7,418 g (7.4 kg)
Mark: Six-character Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi reign mark in regular script (Kaishu) within a recessed panel
Provenance: Private Collection of The G.S. May Esquire Private Collection, London (with original collection green label numbered 354 & 354A)
Attribution and Provenance Note:
"A magnificent, museum-quality bronze censer, dating to the 18th-century Qianlong period. Crafted from a dense, high-quality alloy with a total combined weight of 7,418 g (7.4 kg), this piece is an exceptional example of scholar’s metalwork. While it bears an apocryphal Xuande reign mark—a traditional tribute to the prestige of early Ming-dynasty bronze casting—the vessel itself is an authentic work of the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong reign. From the esteemed G.S. May Esquire Private Collection (London), this piece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a work of significant weight, historical character, and verifiable pedigree."
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Ritual Censer to the 18th 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 Massive 7.4kg Chinese Archaistic Bronze Ritual Censer and Matching Stand Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736–1795)
