What is the historical significance of a Chinese cloisonne tripod censer?

A tripod censer, historically known as a ding, is a traditional Chinese vessel used for burning incense during religious rituals, ancestor worship, and scholar studio practices. During the Qing dynasty, craftspeople integrated cast bronze structures with intricate cloisonne enamelling featuring symbolic flora and fauna.

How are antique cloisonne bronze censers constructed?

These vessels are crafted by soldering thin copper or bronze wires onto a cast metal body to create outlined cells, known as cloisons. Enamel pastes composed of ground glass pigments are applied into the compartments, fired multiple times, and polished flat to align with the metal wire rims.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century Qing dynasty metalwork?

Authentic 19th-century Qing pieces exhibit substantial cast metal weight, hand-shaped wirework with minor variations, and characteristic pitting across the enamel surface from historical firing methods. Later reproductions tend to feature uniform machine-formed wire structures, lighter alloy metals, and synthetic surface finishes.

How do you style an antique Chinese censer in a modern interior?

An antique censer functions as a decorative object on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table. Combining dark patinated metal and colourful enamel work with natural stone surfaces or timber panelling creates a balanced decorative display.

What is the recommended method for cleaning and preserving bronze cloisonne?

Dust the item regularly using a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove debris from intricate bronze relief carvings and enamel crevices. Avoid liquid cleaners, chemical polishes, or immersion in water, as moisture can degrade wire solder joints and induce metal oxidation.

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Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

Name: Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234770
Price: 399 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by CKB LTD Emporium & Collectables

Description

ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY CHINESE BRONZE & CLOISONNÉ TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER

An impressive antique Chinese bronze and cloisonné enamel censer and cover, dating to the Qing dynasty and probably the 19th century, standing approximately 20cm high.

The globular bronze body is extensively decorated in traditional cloisonné enamels with large stylised lotus flowers and scrolling foliage against a turquoise-blue ground, executed using fine metal cloisons separating the individual coloured enamels.

Above the enamelled body, the bronze shoulder is worked with an extensive repeating geometric pattern and fitted with two loose ring handles.

The censer is raised upon three substantial beast-mask feet, while the removable cover is cast with scrolling ornament and large pierced openwork panels.

Surmounting the cover is a wonderfully characterful seated mythical beast / Buddhist lion or qilin-type finial, giving the censer an especially strong sculptural appearance.

The combination of scrolling lotus, turquoise-ground cloisonné, beast-mask supports, loose-ring handles and animal finial is characteristic of Chinese Qing decorative metalwork.

UNDERSIDE

The underside retains a small rectangular copper-coloured plaque. Extremely faint markings appear to be present, but these have not been positively deciphered and consequently no reign-mark attribution is being made.

DETAILS

Origin: China

Period: Qing dynasty

Date: Probably 19th century

Material: Bronze / copper alloy and cloisonné enamel

Type: Censer / incense burner

Decoration: Lotus and scrolling foliage

Ground colour: Turquoise blue

Finial: Mythical beast / Buddhist lion / qilin type

Handles: Twin loose rings

Feet: Three beast-mask supports

Height: Approx. 20cm

Cover: Removable pierced bronze cover

CONDITION

Antique condition with considerable age-related character.

The cloisonné displays numerous small pits/pinholes, surface wear, dark speckling and localised losses consistent with age. There is rubbing, oxidation, discolouration and general wear to the bronze.

There are rough and irregular areas around portions of the underside and some foot/body junctions which may represent historic repair or stabilisation; these have not been disturbed.

The interior shows substantial old surface deposits and oxidation associated with age and previous use.

The piece has deliberately not been aggressively cleaned or polished, preserving its existing aged surface and patination.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they show the actual object and form an integral part of the condition report.

A DECORATIVE PIECE OF QING CHINESE METALWORK

At approximately 20cm high, this is an extremely decorative antique Chinese censer combining bronze casting, colourful cloisonné enamel, pierced work and sculptural animal ornament.

The survival of the pierced cover, mythical-beast finial, loose ring handles and tripod mask feet gives the piece excellent display presence from every angle.

A strong addition to a collection of Chinese antiques, Qing dynasty decorative arts, cloisonné, Asian bronzes or antique incense burners.

The item shown in the photographs is the actual item you will receive.

Conservative insurance valuation £750

Physical Dimensions

Height

20cm (7.87")

Declaration

CKB LTD Emporium & Collectables has dated this Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234770

Dealers Internal Reference

301-SWAN-76

Dealers Notes

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.

Description

ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY CHINESE BRONZE & CLOISONNÉ TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER

“

An impressive antique Chinese bronze and cloisonné enamel censer and cover, dating to the Qing dynasty and probably the 19th century, standing approximately 20cm high.

CKB LTD Emporium & Collectables

fig 1. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 1. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

The globular bronze body is extensively decorated in traditional cloisonné enamels with large stylised lotus flowers and scrolling foliage against a turquoise-blue ground, executed using fine metal cloisons separating the individual coloured enamels.

fig 2. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 2. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

Above the enamelled body, the bronze shoulder is worked with an extensive repeating geometric pattern and fitted with two loose ring handles.

The censer is raised upon three substantial beast-mask feet, while the removable cover is cast with scrolling ornament and large pierced openwork panels.

fig 3. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 3. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

Surmounting the cover is a wonderfully characterful seated mythical beast / Buddhist lion or qilin-type finial, giving the censer an especially strong sculptural appearance.

The combination of scrolling lotus, turquoise-ground cloisonné, beast-mask supports, loose-ring handles and animal finial is characteristic of Chinese Qing decorative metalwork.

fig 4. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 4. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

UNDERSIDE

The underside retains a small rectangular copper-coloured plaque. Extremely faint markings appear to be present, but these have not been positively deciphered and consequently no reign-mark attribution is being made.

fig 5. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 5. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

DETAILS

Origin: China

Period: Qing dynasty

Date: Probably 19th century

Material: Bronze / copper alloy and cloisonné enamel

Type: Censer / incense burner

Decoration: Lotus and scrolling foliage

Ground colour: Turquoise blue

fig 6. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 6. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

Finial: Mythical beast / Buddhist lion / qilin type

Handles: Twin loose rings

Feet: Three beast-mask supports

Height: Approx. 20cm

Cover: Removable pierced bronze cover

CONDITION

Antique condition with considerable age-related character.

fig 7. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 7. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

The cloisonné displays numerous small pits/pinholes, surface wear, dark speckling and localised losses consistent with age. There is rubbing, oxidation, discolouration and general wear to the bronze.

There are rough and irregular areas around portions of the underside and some foot/body junctions which may represent historic repair or stabilisation; these have not been disturbed.

fig 8. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 8. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

The interior shows substantial old surface deposits and oxidation associated with age and previous use.

The piece has deliberately not been aggressively cleaned or polished, preserving its existing aged surface and patination.

fig 9. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 9. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

Please examine all photographs carefully as they show the actual object and form an integral part of the condition report.

A DECORATIVE PIECE OF QING CHINESE METALWORK

At approximately 20cm high, this is an extremely decorative antique Chinese censer combining bronze casting, colourful cloisonné enamel, pierced work and sculptural animal ornament.

fig 10. A 19th-century Chinese bronze tripod censer featuring polychrome cloisonne enamel floral motifs, side loop handles, and a lid topped with a Qilin finial. — fig 10. Antique 19th Century Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer Qilin Lion Qing Tripod 20cm

The survival of the pierced cover, mythical-beast finial, loose ring handles and tripod mask feet gives the piece excellent display presence from every angle.

A strong addition to a collection of Chinese antiques, Qing dynasty decorative arts, cloisonné, Asian bronzes or antique incense burners.

The item shown in the photographs is the actual item you will receive.

Conservative insurance valuation £750

Physical Dimensions

Height

20cm (7.87")

Date of Manufacture

CKB LTD Emporium & Collectables has dated this Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Censer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1234770

Dealers Internal Ref