Antique Chinese Bronze Pigeon Dove Pair Xuande Mark Late Qing C1900 2.7kg 28cm

Antique Chinese Bronze ‘Harmony’ Pigeon / Dove Group

Late Qing / Early Republic – Circa 1900

Apocryphal Xuande Mark

An impressive and unusually substantial antique Chinese bronze group depicting a pair of pigeons or doves amongst ears of corn, beautifully cast with magnificent raised, fan-shaped tails.

Dating from the late Qing dynasty / early Republic period, circa 1890–1920, the group measures approximately 28cm × 24cm and weighs an impressive 2.697kg.

The underside bears a recessed circular four-character mark reading:

宣德年製

Xuande Nian Zhi

“Made during the Xuande reign”

The mark is considered apocryphal/revival and pays homage to the celebrated Xuande period of the Ming dynasty rather than indicating that the bronze itself dates from the 15th century.

BEAUTIFULLY DETAILED CASTING

The two birds are modelled facing one another, their rounded bodies contrasting dramatically with their magnificent upright, fully fanned tails.

The sculptor has devoted considerable attention to the plumage.

Individual tail feathers are deeply delineated with central ribs and fine diagonal barbing, while the wings display overlapping layers of individually worked feathers.

The breasts, necks, eyes and beaks are similarly modelled, giving each bird its own character.

Beneath the pair are finely modelled corn cobs and curling husks, creating an unusual naturalistic base for the composition.

RICH AGED PATINA

The copper-alloy bronze has developed an attractive range of naturally aged tones, from warm golden-brown across exposed areas through to considerably darker brown within recessed details.

There are also localised areas of green-blue verdigris / oxidation, particularly around the plumage of one bird, contributing to the character of the aged surface.

The bronze has not been aggressively polished, allowing the contrasting patination within the detailed casting to remain visible.

XUANDE MARK

The underside bears a prominently cast four-character Xuande reign mark – 宣德年製 – contained within a recessed circular reserve.

The Xuande Emperor reigned during the early Ming dynasty and his period became particularly celebrated for bronze production.

Later Chinese bronze makers frequently employed Xuande marks as reverential or apocryphal marks, and the present piece should therefore be regarded as a later Chinese bronze bearing a Xuande revival mark rather than as a 15th-century Xuande-period object.

DETAILS

Origin: China

Period: Late Qing / early Republic

Date: Circa 1890–1920

Material: Bronze / copper alloy

Subject: Pair of pigeons / doves

Composition: Birds amongst corn cobs and husks

Mark: Four-character Xuande mark 宣德年製

Mark type: Apocryphal / revival mark

Dimensions: Approx. 28cm × 24cm

Weight: Approx. 2,697g / 2.697kg

CONDITION

Good antique condition overall.

There is expected age-related surface wear, rubbing, scratches, marks and variations to the patina.

Localised areas of green-blue verdigris / oxidation are present, most noticeably around areas of the birds’ plumage.

There are various casting irregularities and signs of age consistent with an antique bronze of this nature.

No major structural damage has been observed from our inspection.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they show the actual item and form an important part of the condition description.

A STRIKING CHINESE DECORATIVE BRONZE

With its dramatic fan-tailed birds, highly detailed plumage, unusual corn-husk setting and impressive 2.7kg weight, this is a particularly decorative example of late Qing / early 20th-century Chinese bronze work.

The large Xuande revival mark to the underside adds further interest for collectors of Chinese bronzes.

An excellent display piece for a collection of Chinese antiques, Asian art, Chinese bronzes, bird sculpture or late Qing decorative arts.

The item photographed is the actual item you will receive.

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.