Pair Antique Chinese Bronze Bowls Birds Lotus Xuande Mark Late Qing C.1890

A substantial and decorative matched pair of antique Chinese bronze bowls, probably dating to the late Qing dynasty, circa 1880–1900.

Each bowl is of gently flared circular form, raised on a short pedestal foot, and richly decorated around the exterior with finely engraved and incised birds, lotus flowers, water plants and foliate motifs. The decoration is worked in a lively naturalistic style, with detailed line engraving and hatched shading beneath a repeating geometric key-fret border.

The interiors are plain and show substantial age-related patination and oxidation. One bowl remains noticeably cleaner internally, while the other displays heavier verdigris, oxidation and surface encrustation, especially around the upper interior and rim.

Both bases bear a six-character 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, but this mark was widely copied on later Chinese bronzes. These bowls are therefore conservatively catalogued as late Qing dynasty examples bearing apocryphal Xuande marks, rather than as Ming-period objects.

The exterior surfaces retain attractive aged bronze colour, with darker patination settling into the engraved decoration and lighter wear to raised areas. The pair has strong visual presence and reads particularly well when displayed together.

Origin: China

Period: Late Qing dynasty

Date: Probably circa 1880–1900

Material: Bronze / copper alloy

Decoration: Birds, lotus, water plants and foliate motifs

Marks: Six-character apocryphal Xuande reign marks

Width: Approx. 18.5cm each

Height: Approx. 10cm each

Weight: Approx. 929g and 915g

Condition: Good antique condition overall with age-related surface wear, rubbing, scratches and patination. One bowl retains a relatively cleaner interior, while the other has heavier internal verdigris, oxidation and surface encrustation, particularly around the rim and upper interior. Exterior engraved decoration remains clear and attractive on both. No obvious major structural damage is apparent from the photographs. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition report.

A handsome and substantial matched pair of late Qing Chinese bronze bowls, combining finely worked bird-and-lotus decoration with traditional Xuande-style reign marks.

REDUCED: Was £445, now £356. Save £89.

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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.