Incense Burner - Bronze - China - Ming Dynasty

A rare bronze incense burner from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), cast in fine bronze, featuring an elegant spherical shape resting on a circular pedestal. It is flanked by two openwork handles in an archaic style and adorned with a slightly raised relief decoration consisting of stylized friezes and geometric motifs inspired by Chinese ritual bronzes.

The deep, nuanced antique patina, with its dark brown and golden-brown tones, highlights the quality of the alloy and the authentic character of this piece. The underside is adorned with a diamond-patterned grid created during the casting process, a detail characteristic of this type of antique bronze.

Incense burners played an essential role in Ming-era China. Used in temples, family shrines, and scholars’ studies, they were part of religious ceremonies, ancestral rites, and moments of meditation and contemplation. The burning of precious woods and incense helped create an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and spiritual elevation.

With its fine craftsmanship, archaic decoration, and superb original patina, this incense burner is a remarkable example of Chinese bronze art from the Ming period. A collector’s piece that will appeal to lovers of Asian art and collectors of ancient bronzes.

Origin: China
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Material: Bronze with antique patina
Condition: Very good condition. Beautiful original patina, with wear and slight signs of use consistent with its age.

Dimensions:

• Height: 12 cm
• Diameter: 18 cm