Description:
A LARGE BRONZE TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER, MING
China, 16th-17th century. The bombé body is raised on three sturdy cabriole legs issuing from lion masks to the waisted neck and flanked by a pair of massive S-curved handles. The domed and pierced cover is surmounted by a dragon fighting with a tiger above cresting waves.
Provenance: Old English collection.
Condition: Some smaller losses. Extensive wear, traces of use and corrosion especially to lower section, one handle slightly loose, the body with one area possibly filled. Overall well-presentable condition, as expected on a bronze of this size and age. Very dark, naturally grown patina. The stand with losses and traces of use.
Weight: 8.5 kilograms
Dimensions: Width 35 cm from handle to handle
Note that the smoke from the burning incense will escape through the dragon’s and tiger’s mouths, thus creating a stunning dramatic effect.
On a carved and fitted hardwood stand. (2)
Auction result comparison: Compare with another large and related censer at Christies New York, on March 17th, 2016, in Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, lot 1439, and another related censer with a dragon on the domed cover at Sotheby’s New York, September 19th, 2015, in Asian Art, lot 727.
明代大型青銅龍虎鬥三足香爐
中國,十六至十七世紀。爐身由三個堅固的腿抬起,裝飾獅首面具,兩側一對巨形彎曲手柄。 爐蓋上一條龍,一隻老虎,山岩突出,波濤滾滾。
來源:英國老收藏
品相:一些小磕損,大面積的使用痕跡,特別是下半部一些腐蝕;一個手柄略微鬆動,爐身有一個區域可能填滿。總體品相良好,符合其年代與尺寸。天然的暗色包漿。底座鬆動,有使用痕跡.
重量:8.5 公斤
尺寸:寬 35 厘米(雙耳間距)