Late Ming Bronze Censer
17th/18th century

Bronze censer with waisted rectangular shape on four scrolling legs issuing from mythical beast masks. Lid is pierced cover with seated Buddhistic lion finial. Two Tang style out-cropped handles rise from the main body of the piece, which features out-raised archaic geometric beast patterns on its surface. The censor stands on a rectangular rounded base of unknown black hard wood with shaped bracket feet.

MEASUREMENTS:
Height 12.5 in (without base)
Length 6.5 in
Width 5 in

CONDITION:
Condition is fine with some very fine holes which do not compromise the piece.

SERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.

REMARKS:
As early as the Shang dynasty (c.1550bc) China was working in bronze, an alloy of 80% copper, 15% tin, and 2% lead, which was cast into weapons and other ritual vessels of various shapes and sizes for wealthy patrons up into the time of the Ching dynasty. The classic designs of bronze vessels was set long ago by ancient dictates and saw few variations over time. This censer pictured here was probably once part of an altar set (which would have comprised 5 pieces). Many wealthy Chinese families used such sets for ancestral and Buddhist worship, and the material used showed off their status in life. Photos from the 19th century show Chinese families displaying their wealth through the presence of their 5 piece altar set in the middle of the picture. Prior to the industrial revolution bronze was a technical marvel, and we still see bronze widely used by sculptors today, especially in public works.