Antique Chinese Bronze Hardstone Inlaid Censer Cover & Stand C.1900

Antique Chinese Bronze Hardstone Inlaid Censer, Cover & Stand, c.1900

An impressive and highly decorative Chinese bronze incense burner or censer, complete with its original pierced cover and matching separate stand, dating to the late Qing / early 20th century.

Of substantial construction and weighing approximately 1.76kg, the censer has a compressed globular body with broad everted rim and is flanked by a pair of boldly modelled Buddhist lion-mask handles.

The shoulder is particularly striking, decorated with a continuous band of overlapping lotus-petal lappets inset with pale celadon-coloured hardstone or glass cabochons. Above is a further decorative band set with alternating green and turquoise-blue cabochons.

The removable domed cover is extensively pierced with scrolling foliate and lotus-inspired openwork, allowing incense smoke to escape when in use. It is surmounted by a large pale celadon-coloured hardstone or glass finial surrounded by further green cabochons arranged as petals.

The censer rests upon its original matching circular bronze stand, pierced with scrolling decoration echoing that of the cover. The survival of the body, cover and matching stand together makes this a particularly attractive and complete decorative ensemble.

The underside of the censer bears an unidentified archaistic seal/chop mark, cast in relief within a recessed square reserve. The mark has deliberately been left unattributed rather than assigning it to a particular reign or workshop without firm evidence.

The bronze displays an attractive warm golden-brown surface with darker patination retained within the recessed decoration, pierced areas and around the applied elements. The combination of gilt-toned bronze, pale celadon, emerald green and turquoise-coloured insets gives the piece considerable visual presence.

The use of pierced covers, Buddhist lion imagery, lotus ornament and archaistic decoration has a long history within Chinese bronze censer production. Comparable Qing metalwork also demonstrates the historical use of hardstones and coloured glass as decorative inlays.

Origin: China

Period: Late Qing / early 20th century

Date: Circa 1900

Material: Bronze / copper alloy with hardstone and/or glass insets

Height: Approx. 17cm

Width: Approx. 14cm

Weight: Approx. 1,763g

Components: Censer, removable pierced cover and separate matching stand

Condition: Good antique condition overall with surface wear, rubbing, scratches, casting irregularities, oxidation and patination consistent with age and manufacture. One pale celadon-coloured petal-shaped inset is missing from the underside decoration. Further minor wear is present to the inset decoration. No major structural damage is apparent from inspection. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Please note: The pale and coloured insets have not been gemmologically tested and are therefore conservatively described as hardstone and/or glass rather than being attributed specifically as jade, jadeite or turquoise.

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.