You are looking at a museum stunning quality antique Chinese cloisonné incense burner from the late Qing dynasty in the 1800’s. It features a globular body decorated in a refined "blue and white" cloisonné palette. Cobalt and cerulean blue lotus blossoms and scrolling foliage are set against a crisp white ground filled with intricate geometric wire-work grid patterns. It’s made of gilt-bronze.
Details:
Body & Enamelwork: The censer features a globular body decorated in a refined "blue and white" cloisonné palette. Cobalt and cerulean blue lotus blossoms and scrolling foliage are set against a crisp white ground filled with intricate geometric wire-work grid patterns.
Handles: The sides are flanked by two heavy, finely cast gilt-bronze lion mask (shishi or guardian lion) handles holding loose rings.
Legs: The vessel is supported by three tall tripod legs, each surmounted by a gilt-bronze beast head at the shoulder. The legs are uniquely finished with a white and blue enameled fish-scale motif extending down to the feet.
The Cover (Lid): The multi-tiered domed lid is detailed with geometric key-fret borders and a beautiful reticulated (pierced) gilt-bronze midsection featuring openwork cloud scrolls to allow incense smoke to escape. It is topped with a fully cast gilt-bronze Buddhist lion (foo dog) finial serving as the knop.
The Stand: It sits on a premium, custom-fitted dark hardwood tripod stand. The top surface features three dedicated, recessed smooth indentations tailored precisely to cradle the censer’s feet safely, while the underside displays classic cloud/ruyi openwork scroll carvings. It’s carved in one piece of hard wood.
## Age Estimation
This piece beautifully channels the heavy, opulent aesthetic of 18th-century Qianlong period imperial wares, the specific crispness of the white enamel ground, the brilliant state of the gilding suggests it’s made later in the late 1800’s.
Size: The incense burner is 7 chines tall, 4.5 inches wide, 4,5 inches deep. The stand is 5.5x5.75x2.75”.
Condition: It has patina that’s consistent with age. In excellent antique condition with no damages.
Provenance: It comes from the collection of a prominent family in San Francisco.
It will be shipped with full insurance which is covered by the handling fee.