Large Tripod Incense Burner In Cast Bronze Inlaid With Silver 19th Century. Qing Or Edo.

The cast iron of this large incense burner is of beautiful quality, the walls are very thin, the carvings are precise and the finish is neat. The shape is atypical, of great elegance. The body rests on three feet. The decoration in slight relief, is inspired by that of archaic Chinese bronzes, presenting Tao-tie masks, dragons and stylized birds on a background of square spirals. Some parts are damascened in silver. Below is cast in relief a mark composed of Chinese characters. The undersides of the feet are heavily worn, revealing in places the cast clay or traces of tin soldering, old reinforcement restorations. Probably Chinese work from the 19th century but the bold shape and the high quality of finish could announce a Japanese work from the Edo period (1625-1868). Good general condition, beautiful old patina of the bronze, wear of the silver inlays and the underside of the feet, some traces of small tin solder fillings. 33x32cm