• Frontaanzicht van de complete driedelige antieke Chinese bronzen Fangding wierookbrander uit de Qing dynastie met opengewerkt deksel op de originele bronzen sokkel.
  • Vooraanzicht van de Chinese bronzen wierookbrander geplaatst naast de losse, mee-gepatineerde massief bronzen presentatiesokkel.
  • Close-up vooraanzicht van het Fangding wierookvat met de gedetailleerde draken in reliëf, de leeuwenpoten en de handvaten in de vorm van mythologische wezens.
  • Rechter zijaanzicht van de complete antieke wierookbrander, tonend de dikwandige gietstructuur en het profiel van de handvaten en poten.
  • Linker zijaanzicht van de Qing-dynastie bronsgieting met de diepe, historisch doorleefde patina en vuurvergulde resten in het reliëf.
  • Achterzijde van het rechthoekige bronzen censer-lichaam zonder deksel, illustrerend de symmetrische opbouw van de drakenornamenten.
  • Bovenaanzicht van de open binnenzijde van de brander, met weergave van de ruwe binnenwanden en de natuurlijke malachiet oxidatie op de bodem.
  • Bovenaanzicht van het losse, rechthoekige bronzen deksel met fijn opengewerkt wolkenreliëf en centrale vlammende knop.
  • Zijaanzicht van het losse deksel, tonend het opengewerkte snijwerk voor de rookontsnapping en de textuur van het 19e-eeuwse brons.
  • Onderzijde van het geopende deksel met duidelijke sporen van de matte, minerale cinaber-rode vermiljoen lakprimer langs de randen.
  • Direct zicht op het grondvlak van de rechthoekige brander met de goudglanzende metaalmix en de resterende matte vlekken van de cinaber-rode vermiljoen lakprimer.
  • Onderzijde van de losse bronzen presentatiesokkel, tonend de originele gietsporen van de verloren was methode en de diep ingebakken malachiet oxidatie.
  • Sfeervolle detailopname van het linker handvat in de vorm van een klimmende draak en het diepe reliëf op de hoek van de bronzen brander.
  • Detailopname van de rechterzijde met de gegoten leeuwenkop op de poot en de gelaagde, donkere patina op de bronswand.
  • Driekwart detailopname van het Fangding wierookvat op zijn sokkel, tonend de dynamiek van het geciseleerde draken- en wolkenreliëf.
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1stbuddha

Antique Chinese Bronze Fangding Incense Burner with Stand – 3-Piece Set – Late Qing Dynasty (29.5 cm)

Antique Chinese Bronze Fangding Incense Burner with Stand – 3-Piece Set – Late Qing Dynasty (29.5 cm)

$1,762.00 USD
$1,762.00 USD
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This antique Chinese bronze Fangding censer from the late Qing Dynasty (19th century), with its monumental height of 29.5 cm and width of 18.0 cm, forms a rare, complete ensemble for the serious collector. The heavy, thick-walled casting brings a combined weight of no less than 2.6 kg to the scales. The object is constructed as a complete three-part set: the rectangular Fangding body, the richly openworked lid with flaming finial, and the original, loose bronze presentation plinth.

This masterpiece is fully skin-verified and immediately distinguishes itself from the later reproduction market by its impeccable forensic and material-technical characteristics.

Spiritual Significance & Iconography

The Fangding is historically one of the most prestigious forms within the Chinese ritual bronze tradition. Originally used as a food offering or censer for royal ceremonies and ancestor worship, the square shape symbolizes the earth and cosmic stability. The belly of the censer is deeply chased all around with powerful, dynamic dragons in relief that cleave through waves and clouds. The handles and the four legs are cast in the form of stylized, mythological dragons and lions (Shi), which act as spiritual protectors of the altar or the scholar's desk.

Forensic Material Analysis & UV Verification

  • Chromatic Stratigraphy: On the inside of the edges, there is a thick, matte, mineral ground layer of authentic cinnabar-red (vermilion) lacquer. This traditional mercury sulfide primer was applied to the rough bronze before gilding to give extra depth to the gold flame of the 24-karat gold leaf. The powdery, mineral texture unequivocally excludes modern acrylates or synthetic spray paints.
  • 365nm UV Spectroscopy: Under ultraviolet light, the historical wear zones show a characteristic dull, mineral-orange-red fluorescence. This is the exact chemical fingerprint of an organic 19th-century cinnabar ground layer. The surface is completely free of bright neon polymers or modern epoxy resins, which confirms the absence of structural restorations.
  • Casting Core & Patina: On the underside of the bronze base are the fossilized remnants of the artisanal clay and sand casting core from the cire perdue (lost wax) casting method. Natural, non-synthetic granular malachite oxidation (copper carbonate) is baked deep into the metal skin.
  • Interior Architecture: The inner walls show a rough, irregular wall thickness with manual casting and deburring marks, attesting to pre-industrial manufacturing without CNC milling or machine stamping.

Rarity & Market Value

Over 95% of censers from this period have lost their original base over the years or have subsequently been fitted with a wooden replacement part. The presence of the exactly co-patinated, solid bronze plinth doubles the cultural-historical value and rarity of this set. This forensically certified ensemble belongs to the absolute top class within Chinese bronze art.

Specifications

  • Origin: China
  • Period: Late Qing Dynasty (19th century)
  • Material: High-quality bronze with fire-gilded remnants, cinnabar lacquer, and natural malachite patina
  • Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm | Width 18.0 cm
  • Weight: 2.6 kg (Full ensemble)
  • Condition: Excellent, unrestored antique condition with a monumental historical skin.
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