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ID #SA1236919
FOR SALE
£28,000
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A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)
For sale by Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €32,760     $35,560
£28,000
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
Browse dealers 205 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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Id #SA1236919
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A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

18th century
Description

A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-Splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

​Exemplifying the pinnacle of imperial-revival metalwork from the 18th century, this magnificent bronze censer, stand, and cover combines masterful metallurgy with a sophisticated sculptural program characteristic of the Qianlong reign. Heavy, robustly cast, and finished with a rich, dark patination interspersed with vibrant, organic patches of historical fire-gilding breaking across the surface, the vessel demonstrates an extraordinary level of refinement.

​The compressed globular body rises gracefully from three exceptionally rare and robustly carved beast-mask cabriole feet, imparting a powerful architectural stance. Flanking the body are a pair of upright loop handles integrated with exceptionally rare, meticulously detailed winged bats (fu), symbolizing blessings and good fortune, which grip the vessel's sides with arresting naturalism.

​The domed hardwood cover is pierced with three crisply worked ruyi-head smoke vents, surmounted by a masterfully carved pale celadon and amber-toned nephrite jade finial depicting a mythical beast clambering over an openwork latticework sphere. The recessed base is cleanly cast with a crisp, deep six-character Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi seal mark. Retaining its matching carved hardwood lotus-form stand, this tour-de-force of 18th-century craftsmanship represents a rare and highly desirable acquisition for the discerning collector.

​Period: Qianlong Period, 18th Century

​Marking: Recessed square panel with a six-character Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi seal mark

​Dimensions:

​Height (Bronze Censer): 11 cm

​Span (Handle to Handle): Approximately 19 cm

​Weight Specifications:

​Censer (without stand): 2,732 grams (exceptionally heavy gauge)

​Combined Weight (with hardwood stand): 3,030 grams

Condition: Good antique condition

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Physical Dimensions
Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
19cm (7.48")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Splash Bronze Censer to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1236919
Description
A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-Splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

​Exemplifying the pinnacle of imperial-revival metalwork from the 18th century, this magnificent bronze censer, stand, and cover combines masterful metallurgy with a sophisticated sculptural program characteristic of the Qianlong reign. Heavy, robustly cast, and finished with a rich, dark patination interspersed with vibrant, organic patches of historical fire-gilding breaking across the surface, the vessel demonstrates an extraordinary level of refinement.

“
​The compressed globular body rises gracefully from three exceptionally rare and robustly carved beast-mask cabriole feet, imparting a powerful architectural stance.
Sandbanks Antiques

Flanking the body are a pair of upright loop handles integrated with exceptionally rare, meticulously detailed winged bats (fu), symbolizing blessings and good fortune, which grip the vessel's sides with arresting naturalism.

fig 1. An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
fig 1. A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

​The domed hardwood cover is pierced with three crisply worked ruyi-head smoke vents, surmounted by a masterfully carved pale celadon and amber-toned nephrite jade finial depicting a mythical beast clambering over an openwork latticework sphere. The recessed base is cleanly cast with a crisp, deep six-character Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi seal mark. Retaining its matching carved hardwood lotus-form stand, this tour-de-force of 18th-century craftsmanship represents a rare and highly desirable acquisition for the discerning collector.

fig 2. An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
fig 2. A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

​Period: Qianlong Period, 18th Century

​Marking: Recessed square panel with a six-character Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi seal mark

​Dimensions:

​Height (Bronze Censer): 11 cm

​Span (Handle to Handle): Approximately 19 cm

fig 3. An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
fig 3. A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

​Weight Specifications:

​Censer (without stand): 2,732 grams (exceptionally heavy gauge)

​Combined Weight (with hardwood stand): 3,030 grams

Condition: Good antique condition

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
19cm (7.48")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Splash Bronze Censer to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1236919
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
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Film
Film of A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)
Archive I An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.

A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)

Film
Archive II An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View II
Archive III An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View XIII
Archive XIV An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View XIV
Archive XV An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 205
Items Sold 86
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
205
Sold
86
An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-Splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)
Ref: SA1236919
An 18th-century Chinese gilt-splashed bronze tripod censer featuring scroll handles, animal-mask legs, a dark hardwood cover topped with a carved jade finial, and a fitted bronze stand.
Film of A Magnificent and Exceptionally Heavy Gilt-splash Bronze Tripod Censer, Stand, and Cover, Qianlong Period (18th Century)
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectIncense Burners
  • Period18th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialBronze, Gold Gilt, Jade, Hardwood
  • ColourDark Brown and Gold
  • MotifsGilt-splash decoration, Animal mask feet, Carved jade finial, Scroll handles
  • SizeH 11 cm (4 in) x W 19 cm (7 in)

This Qianlong period bronze tripod censer, stand, and cover displays a dark brown patination with random gold-gilt splashes across the compressed globular body. Upright scroll handles flank the vessel above three animal-mask cabriole feet resting upon a fitted lotus-form stand, while the dark hardwood cover carries a carved pale celadon and amber-toned nephrite jade finial on top. The censer measures 11 cm in height and 19 cm in width. Displayed upon a sideboard top in a gentleman's library, the censer functions as a traditional decorative accent. The substantial cast metalwork carries a recessed base featuring a six-character seal mark, paired with winged bat elements integrated into the side loops and ruyi-head smoke vents pierced through the domed cover.

FAQs

Originating during the Qing Dynasty, gilt-splashed bronze censers are characterised by gold leaf or amalgam splashes applied to a patinated bronze body, reflecting high imperial artistic patronage and classical Chinese ritual design.

Artisans utilised cast bronze alloyed with copper and tin, applying real gold splashes through fire-gilding techniques, frequently pairing the vessel with carved hardwood covers and carved jade finials.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural patination, substantial weight, cast animal-mask details, precise hand-chasing, and well-integrated gold splashes that show gentle wear consistent with historical age.

Positioned on a dark wood console table, bookshelf, or sideboard, the rich bronze tones and subtle gold accents provide a grounded, sculptural focal point within contemporary or classic spaces.

Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth or dry bristle brush, avoiding liquid polishes, water, or abrasive chemical cleaners that could strip the natural patina and delicate gold embellishments.
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