• Front view of the complete three-part antique Chinese bronze Fangding incense burner from the Qing Dynasty with openwork lid on the original bronze base.
  • Front view of the Chinese bronze incense burner placed next to the separate, matching solid bronze presentation base.
  • Close-up front view of the Fangding incense burner with the detailed relief dragons, lion's paws, and handles in the shape of mythological creatures.
  • Right side view of the complete antique incense burner, showing the thick-walled cast structure and the profile of the handles and legs.
  • Left side view of the Qing Dynasty bronze casting with the deep, historically weathered patina and fire-gilded remnants in the relief.
  • Rear side of the rectangular bronze censer body without lid, illustrating the symmetrical arrangement of the dragon ornaments.
  • Top view of the open interior of the burner, showing the rough inner walls and the natural malachite oxidation on the bottom.
  • Top view of the loose, rectangular bronze lid with finely openwork cloud relief and a central flaming knob.
  • Side view of the loose lid, showing the openwork carving for the smoke escape and the texture of the 19th-century bronze.
  • Underside of the opened lid with clear traces of the matte, mineral cinnabar-red vermilion lacquer primer along the edges.
  • Direct view of the base of the rectangular burner with the gold-shining metal mix and the remaining matte spots of the cinnabar-red vermilion lacquer primer.
  • Underside of the separate bronze presentation base, showing the original casting marks from the lost-wax method and the deeply baked-in malachite oxidation.
  • Atmospheric detail shot of the left handle in the shape of a climbing dragon and the deep relief on the corner of the bronze burner.
  • Close-up of the right side with the cast lion's head on the paw and the layered, dark patina on the bronze wall.
  • Three-quarter detail shot of the Fangding incense burner on its pedestal, showing the dynamism of the chased dragon and cloud relief.
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Antique Chinese Bronze Fangding Incense Burner with Stand – 3-Piece Set – Late Qing Dynasty (29.5 cm)
$1,739.00 USD
$1,739.00 USD
Sale Sold
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Physical Dimensions & Status

Height: 29.5 cm  |  Width: 18.0 cm  |  Weight: 2.6 kg

This antique Chinese Fangding censer (29.5 cm) from the late Qing Dynasty forms an exceptionally complete three-piece ensemble consisting of the rectangular censer, the richly openwork lid with flaming finial, and the original bronze presentation plinth. The heavy, thick-walled bronze construction, the refined dragon relief, and the authentic historical patina make this a rare collector's item. Thanks to its complete execution and impressive appearance, this censer makes a museum-worthy statement within a high-quality Asian art collection or exclusive interior.

The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this object is essential

  • Fangding Form: The square architecture represents earth, stability, and cosmic order. Such bronze vessels were used for centuries during ritual offerings and incense ceremonies.
  • Mythological Dragons: The dragons adorning all sides symbolize imperial power, protection, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
  • Lions & Dragon Feet: The cast handles and feet refer to protective mythological creatures that, according to Chinese tradition, guard sacred places and precious objects.
  • Altar Object: As an incense burner, a Fangding formed the spiritual center of a temple, family chapel, or scholar's study, symbolizing reverence, wisdom, and harmony.

Material & Craftsmanship Analysis

  • Thick-walled Bronze: The censer is crafted from high-quality, heavy cast bronze with an exceptionally solid construction characteristic of quality Qing bronzes.
  • Historical Patina: The natural combination of warm brown tones, olive-green oxidation, and remnants of original fire gilding gives the surface a rich, authentic appearance.
  • Original Cinnabar Primer: In protected areas, remnants of the traditional cinnabar-red primer originally applied under the gilding are still visible, a historical characteristic of high-quality Chinese bronzes.
  • Complete Three-piece Set: The original openwork lid and the solid bronze presentation plinth are still with the vessel, a rare combination that significantly increases its collectible value.

Specifications

  • Height: 29.5 cm (complete with lid and plinth)
  • Width: 18.0 cm
  • Weight: 2.6 kg
  • Origin: China
  • Period: Late Qing Dynasty (19th century)
  • Material: High-quality bronze with remnants of fire gilding, cinnabar primer, and natural malachite patina
  • Construction: Complete three-piece ensemble with original openwork lid and bronze presentation plinth
  • Technique: Traditional bronze casting with manual chasing
  • Condition: Excellent unrestored antique condition with rich historical patina