Antique Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer Pierced Lotus Floral Lid Xuande Mark C.1900

Antique Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer with Pierced Lotus Floral Cover and Xuande Mark, c.1900

An attractive antique Chinese bronze incense burner or censer, probably dating to the early 20th century, circa 1900–1930.

Of compact rounded form, the censer is raised upon three short tapering feet and fitted with a removable domed pierced cover surmounted by a pointed knop.

The cover is finely pierced with stylised lotus and floral scrollwork, enclosed by a repeating geometric key-fret border. The openwork construction would originally have allowed incense smoke to escape through the decorative pattern when in use.

The underside is particularly decorative, cast with a dragon medallion surrounding a six-character Xuande reign mark reading:

大明宣德年製

Dà Míng Xuāndé Nián Zhì

“Made during the Xuande reign of the Great Ming.”

The Xuande Emperor reigned from 1426–1435; however, Xuande marks were frequently copied on Chinese bronze censers for centuries afterwards. This piece is therefore conservatively catalogued as an early-20th-century bronze bearing an apocryphal Xuande mark, rather than as a Ming-period object.

The bronze displays an attractive dark brown patina with areas of lighter wear, oxidation and warmer coppery tones at the feet and raised edges. The interior retains age-related darkening and surface deposits, together with visible turning and finishing marks.

Origin: China

Period: Early 20th century

Date: Probably circa 1900–1930

Material: Bronze / copper alloy

Type: Tripod censer / incense burner

Cover: Pierced lotus and floral openwork

Mark: Apocryphal six-character Xuande reign mark

Diameter: Approx. 7.5cm

Height: Approx. 7cm

Weight: Approx. 306g

Condition: Good antique condition overall with surface wear, rubbing, scratches, oxidation and patination consistent with age and use. Minor verdigris and exposed warmer metal are visible at some raised areas and feet. The pierced cover appears substantially complete and no major structural damage is apparent from the photographs. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A compact and decorative Chinese bronze censer combining pierced lotus decoration, tripod form and an apocryphal Xuande reign mark, with strong appeal to collectors of Chinese bronzes and scholar’s objects.

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.

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