Antique Chinese Patinated Bronze Tripod Censer & Cover with Qilin Finial – Late Qing / Early Republic Period
An attractive antique Chinese bronze incense burner or censer, dating from the late Qing dynasty to early Republic period, circa 1880–1920.
The censer is of archaistic tripod form, standing on three spreading feet and flanked by a pair of unusually tall pierced upright handles. The compressed circular body is decorated around the upper and lower registers with repeating geometric key-fret / archaistic ornament inspired by the decorative vocabulary of early Chinese ritual bronzes.
The removable cover is particularly striking, constructed with pierced openwork registers through which incense smoke could escape. It is surmounted by a wonderfully characterful cast Chinese mythical beast, probably representing a qilin (kylin), modelled with an open mouth, pronounced facial features, raised foreleg, curled tail and finely incised detailing.
The piece retains an attractive dark brown aged patina, with areas of natural surface variation, wear and green copper oxidation/verdigris particularly visible to the interior and underside of the cover. The underside of the vessel is unmarked.
The interior shows considerable age-related surface deposits, oxidation and wear consistent with an old bronze incense vessel. The feet similarly display wear to their contact surfaces, revealing the warmer copper-alloy colour beneath the darker patination.
Chinese bronze censers of this type draw upon China’s much earlier tradition of ritual bronze vessels, with archaistic forms and decoration remaining popular during the Qing dynasty and into the early Republican period.
Date: Late Qing dynasty / early Republic period, circa 1880–1920
Origin: China
Material: Patinated bronze / copper alloy
Height: approximately 18cm
Weight: approximately 641g
Base: Unmarked
Finial: Qilin / Chinese auspicious mythical beast
Condition: Good antique condition overall with expected surface wear, scratches, oxidation, patination and areas of verdigris commensurate with age. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. The piece has deliberately not been polished, preserving its aged surface and patina.
An unusual and highly decorative example of late Qing/early Republican Chinese metalwork, particularly appealing for its dramatic tall handles, archaistic decoration and sculptural mythical-beast finial.
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.