Antique Chinese bronze censer / incense burner. I am not able to give an exact date, but believe it to date to the 19th century.

Approximately 10 3/4 inches high and weighing 5 3/4 lbs (really heavy).

Censers, used for burning incense, originally had purely spiritual or religious significance, but were later made for decorative reasons as well.

The censer has two parts, the hollow vessel on stand and the lid. Stands on a trifoil base, scalloped and with openwork clouds and Greek Key design on the upper edge. The top of the base is engraved with a many-petalled flower, surrounding another, in moulded relief. 3 handles surround 3 concave reserves. The handles with tapering, geometric form in stark contrast to the highly detailed demon masks that form their upper terminals. It appears that the handles are being sprouted from the mouths of these amazing god-like creatures.

The 3 panels form a frieze around the body of the vessel. Each has a wonderful, minutely detailed scene of birds in landscapes. Gnarled trees, flowers and lakes - all beautifully depicted in high relief.
The upper borders of the panels are crimped and scroll around these vignettes.

The lid is absolutely magnificent: partially openwork with reserves echoing the larger ones below, containing scrolling clouds and flowers, engraved geometric patterns of symbolic foliage, and with flying horns and small masks between each panel. A round openwork cap with similar scrolling clouds and flowers forms the base for a fantastic mythological creature. Possibly a shishi or bixie, it has a leonine body with fantastically moulded detail showing off it's muscles. A scrolling tail amidst series of symbolic clouds, a monster or dragon face with bulging eyes, large nostrils, horns, huge bushy eyebrows and open mouth with lots of teeth. One paw rests on a globe. Fabulous detail down to the tiny claws.

The workmanship of the sculptor and the quality of the casting are excellent. WOnderful detail and wonderful patina.

Condition is very good. I found no damage/restoration.

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