A LARGE BRONZE TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER, MING
China, 16th-17th century. The bombé body is raised on three sturdy cabriole legs issuing from lion masks to the waisted neck and flanked by a pair of massive S-curved handles. The domed and pierced cover is surmounted by a dragon fighting with a tiger above cresting waves.

Provenance: Old English collection.
Condition: Some smaller losses. Extensive wear, traces of use and corrosion especially to lower section, one handle slightly loose, the body with one area possibly filled. Overall well-presentable condition, as expected on a bronze of this size and age. Very dark, naturally grown patina. The stand with losses and traces of use.

Weight: 8.5 kilograms
Dimensions: Width 35 cm from handle to handle

Note that the smoke from the burning incense will escape through the dragon’s and tiger’s mouths, thus creating a stunning dramatic effect.
On a carved and fitted hardwood stand. (2)

Auction result comparison: Compare with another large and related censer at Christies New York, on March 17th, 2016, in Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, lot 1439, and another related censer with a dragon on the domed cover at Sotheby’s New York, September 19th, 2015, in Asian Art, lot 727.

明代大型青銅龍虎鬥三足香爐
中國，十六至十七世紀。爐身由三個堅固的腿抬起，裝飾獅首面具，兩側一對巨形彎曲手柄。 爐蓋上一條龍，一隻老虎，山岩突出，波濤滾滾。

來源：英國老收藏
品相：一些小磕損，大面積的使用痕跡，特別是下半部一些腐蝕；一個手柄略微鬆動，爐身有一個區域可能填滿。總體品相良好，符合其年代與尺寸。天然的暗色包漿。底座鬆動，有使用痕跡.

重量：8.5 公斤
尺寸：寬 35 厘米（雙耳間距）