A LARGE CHINESE BRONZE "ELEPHANT" INCENSE BURNER, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A LARGE CHINESE BRONZE "ELEPHANT" INCENSE BURNER, 18TH/19TH CENTURY A large Chinese bronze incense burner of rounded tripod form, the compressed globular body raised on three elephant-head feet and set with further elephant-head handles at the shoulder. The vessel is fitted with a domed openwork cover, pierced with scrolling lotus and foliate motifs, and surmounted by a knop modelled with clustered auspicious forms. The body is cast with a dense decorative band around the shoulder, incorporating scrolling foliage, cloud-like ornament and small auspicious emblems. The elephant supports and handles are finely worked with curled details and expressive features, giving the piece a strong sculptural presence. The elephant is an auspicious motif in Chinese art, associated with strength, peace and good fortune, and its use here also reinforces the weight and ritual character of the form. The bronze has a warm reddish-brown and golden patina with areas of green oxidation and surface wear. The openwork cover would have allowed incense smoke to rise through the pierced floral decoration, making the object both functional and ornamental. Height: 18 cm; Weight: 1.05 kg

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