Decorative

A RARE AND HIGH-STATUS LATE MING DYNASTY ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 17TH CENTURY from Circa 1640-1690 (Transitional Period between Late Ming and Early Qing dynasties), noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A rare and high-status late Ming Dynasty bronze tripod censer of lobed ''Lotus'' form, weighing a remarkable 572g. For its compact 10.5cm diameter, this weight indicates an incredibly dense, multi-refined alloy---a hallmark of the ''sinking bronzes'' prized by 17th-century Chinese scholars.\n\nDate (Circa 1640--1690)\nThis piece dates to the Transitional Period between the Late Ming (Chongzhen) and Early Qing (Kangxi) dynasties. This attribution is confirmed by:\n- The Casting Density: Unlike later, thinner 18th/19th-century export pieces, this censer exhibits the massive heft and thick-walled construction of the 17th-century ''Golden Age'' of bronze revival.\n- Hand-Finished Interior: Photography of the interior reveals original, irregular ''chatter marks'' and scraping lines. These prove the piece was manually finished on a traditional foot-lathe, consistent with 17th-century workshop practices.\n- Architectural Balance: The ''Bridge'' handles (qiaoer lu) are taut and perfectly proportioned, a design intended to symbolize a bridge to higher knowledge.\n\nThe Colouring & Patina\nThe censer displays a world-class, multi-layered ''Living Patina'' that shifts depending on the light:\n- Primary Surface: A deep, velvet-matte ''Dark Chocolate'' (Zizhan) skin that has bonded to the metal over three centuries.\n- Underlying Core: Where the light hits the lobes and feet, a rich ''Plum-Red'' or ''Date-Skin'' (Zitong) glow emerges. This is natural Cuprite oxidation, a scientific indicator of an exceptionally high copper content in the original 17th-century alloy.\n- The Highlights: At the natural wear-points on the feet and rim, the metal reveals its ''noble'' core---a warm, buttery Honey-Gold, providing a stunning contrast to the dark, moody exterior.\n\nCondition & Mark\nThe base features a crisp, deep-cast four-character Xuande Mark. This is an ''Apocryphal Reverence Mark,'' placed there by 17th-century master-smiths to honour the historical peak of bronze casting. The piece remains in excellent original condition with no repairs, retaining its ''Scholar's Studio'' crust and 300 years of history.

— Details

Reference

SA1204842

Origin

Circa 1640-1690 (Transitional Period between Late Ming and Early Qing dynasties)

Period

17TH CENTURY

Dimensions

W 10.5cm

Weight

572 g

Rarity

High

Provenance

Ex-Specialist Collection (documented)

Condition

Excellent — see description