Antique Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer Dragon Phoenix Lid Xuande Mark C.1900

An attractive and highly decorative antique Chinese bronze tripod censer / incense burner, probably dating to the late Qing to early Republic period, circa 1890–1930.

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

The cover is richly cast in openwork with a dragon and phoenix amongst scrolling cloud forms, centred around an auspicious pearl and surrounded by an archaistic geometric key-fret border. The combination of dragon and phoenix is one of the most important symbolic pairings in Chinese decorative art.

The underside is particularly interesting, cast with multiple coiling dragons 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 extensively copied on Chinese bronze censers for centuries afterwards. This example is therefore conservatively catalogued as a late Qing / early Republic bronze bearing an apocryphal Xuande reign mark, rather than as a 15th-century Xuande-period object.

The bronze has developed an attractive dark brown-black patina with areas of lighter wear, small patches of green oxidation and warmer copper-coloured metal visible to the feet and raised extremities.

The interior retains circular finishing marks together with age-related darkening, oxidation and surface deposits consistent with historic use.

Origin: China

Period: Late Qing / early Republic

Date: Probably circa 1890–1930

Material: Bronze / copper alloy

Type: Tripod censer / incense burner

Decoration: Pierced dragon and phoenix cover

Mark: Six-character apocryphal Xuande reign mark

Diameter: Approx. 7.5cm

Height: Approx. 7cm

Weight: Approx. 310g

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

A compact but highly decorative Chinese bronze censer combining dragon-and-phoenix imagery, pierced openwork, archaistic decoration and a Xuande reign mark, with strong appeal to collectors of Chinese bronzes, incense burners and scholar’s objects.

REDUCED: Was £245, now £196. Save £49.

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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.