ANTIQUE CHINESE CLOISONNÉ & BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST CENSER / VESSEL
Late Qing / Early 20th Century • Circa 1880–1920 • Unusual Hinged Form
A highly unusual and exceptionally decorative Chinese cloisonné-enamel and bronze mythical-beast vessel, previously catalogued as Qing dynasty, and dating approximately to the late Qing / early 20th century.
Measuring approximately 18cm long and weighing approximately 267g, the vessel takes the form of a fantastic four-legged beast with an extraordinarily expressive cast-bronze head and a body extensively decorated in brightly coloured cloisonné enamel.
The body has a vibrant turquoise enamel ground, decorated with scrolling and archaistic-inspired motifs picked out in red, green, blue, yellow, pink and white enamels within bronze/copper-alloy cloisons.
Particularly unusual is the beast’s hinged lower jaw, which opens outward to form a large shallow tray or bowl.
A substantial circular aperture surrounded by a decorative bronze border is positioned on the beast’s back.
The combination of these functional openings places the piece within the wider Chinese tradition of zoomorphic vessels and mythical-beast censers, although the precise intended function of the hinged shallow tray has not been conclusively established.
MYTHICAL BEAST FORM
Chinese craftsmen had a long tradition of creating incense burners and other vessels in the forms of fantastic animals.
During use, openings within zoomorphic censers could allow incense smoke to emerge from the beast, dramatically animating the sculpture.
The present example is particularly appealing for the contrast between its colourful cloisonné body and expressive exposed-bronze head, feet and hinged jaw.
The creature has large staring eyes, prominent nostrils, a broad tooth-filled mouth, elaborate scrolling brows and ears, and extensively incised details.
It stands firmly on four short bronze-mounted feet.
CLOISONNÉ DECORATION
The turquoise-ground body is densely decorated with scrolling motifs and stylised ornament.
The decoration includes strong red, blue, green, yellow, pink and white enamel colours separated by metal cloisons.
Decorative panels extend around the flanks, legs, shoulders and hindquarters, giving the vessel considerable visual impact from every angle.
The circular aperture on the back is framed by a petal-like bronze border.
HINGED JAW / TRAY
One of the most distinctive aspects of this vessel is the beast’s large hinged lower jaw.
When lowered, the jaw forms a broad shallow tray projecting directly from the animal’s mouth.
This unusual mechanical feature survives and contributes considerably to the character of the piece.
While related hinged constructions occur on Chinese mythical-beast censers, the exact original purpose of this unusually broad tray has not been established and it is therefore described conservatively rather than assigning it an unsupported specialist function.
AGE & ATTRIBUTION
The vessel was previously catalogued as:
“A Chinese Qing Dynasty cloisonné enamel and bronze mythical beast.”
Based upon its construction, materials, decoration and style, we consider a late Qing / early 20th-century date, approximately 1880–1920, to be an appropriately cautious attribution.
It is not being represented as an 18th-century imperial cloisonné object.
No earlier ownership history is currently known.
DETAILS
Origin: China
Period: Late Qing / early 20th century
Approximate date: c.1880–1920
Material: Bronze / copper alloy and cloisonné enamel
Form: Mythical beast
Probable object type: Censer / zoomorphic vessel
Decoration: Polychrome cloisonné enamel on turquoise ground
Feature: Hinged lower jaw forming shallow tray
Back: Large circular aperture
Feet: Four short feet
Length: Approx. 18cm
Weight: Approx. 267g
CONDITION
Antique condition with noticeable age-related wear and enamel losses.
There are areas of enamel loss, flaking and pitting throughout, together with cracking/crazing to the enamel surface, local exposed metal and areas of wear.
There are surface marks, scratches, deposits and oxidation/verdigris to the bronze/copper-alloy components and within recessed areas.
There is a more noticeable area of enamel damage/loss to the decoration around the rear/top of the body, together with further smaller losses around several decorative motifs and around the upper aperture.
The exposed bronze head, feet and hinged jaw show rubbing, patination and age-related surface wear.
The undersides of the feet show wear and openings associated with the construction.
The hinged lower jaw/tray remains present and operational.
The object has intentionally not been aggressively polished or restored, helping preserve its existing surface and patina.
Please examine all photographs carefully. They show the actual object offered and form an important part of the condition description.
COLLECTOR’S PIECE
An exceptionally characterful example of Chinese zoomorphic metalwork combining polychrome cloisonné enamel, an expressive mythical-beast form, a large body aperture and an unusual articulated jaw/tray.
The unusual form gives the piece considerable decorative presence despite its relatively compact 18cm size.
An excellent addition to a collection of Chinese cloisonné, Qing-period works of art, Chinese bronzes, censers, mythical beasts or Asian antiques.
Conservative insurance valuation £700
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.
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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.