AN ARCHAISTIC BRONZE CENSER WITH QILINS China, late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The heavily cast censer of a quatrefoil body, decorated with archaistic designs on a densely ornate ground, supported on four monumental legs issuing from mythical beasts’ mouths, the qilin seated atop the reticulated lid, fitted into the waisted mouth rim, flanked by ‘qilin’ handles, with a four-character seal mark to the underside. Comes with a fitted wood base.

Condition: Good condition with extensive traces of wear and age, fine patina, and some dents.
Provenance: German private collection. According to the current owner it has been acquired in the Swedish auction market.

Weight: 3.9 kg
Dimension: Height 32.8 cm, Length 26.9 cm