Lot 220A, A fine and rare Chinese gold splashed bronze globular censer, 17th/18th century, with Qing dynasty triple ruyi head hardwood stand

A fine and rare Chinese gold splashed bronze globular tripod vessel, 18th century, crisply cast and chased with 'bat mask' ring handles between lappeted borders, on three caparisoned elephant head feet, splashed all over in gold, apocryphal Xuande two character seal mark, 19.5cm high, 20cm wide, with Qing dynasty triple ruyi-head hardwood stand, total height 28.5cm
Estimate £4,000-6,000


Provenance - English private collection, believed to have been in the same family for more than 100 years.

cf. a gold-splashed bronze globular incense burner, dated to the 18th century sold by Sotheby's, Important Chinese Art, Hong Kong, 8 October 2019, lot 3650 with a similar two-character Xuande seal mark.


Some occasional scuffs to the body. Slight verdigris and wear to the handles and to the body underneath the handles. Wear to feet consistent with age. Typical casting 'spurs' visible inside, and a small casting hole to the body during in the lower band immediately above an elephant head support, otherwise in good condition.
The wood stand has glue to the joints of two feet and where they join the stretcher, otherwise good condition.
Censer 2.8kg
Wood stand 350 grams


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £32,000