Chinese bronze incense burner

Chinese bronze incense burner

It is a traditional Chinese incense burner, not only a religious ritual tool, but also an important component of Chinese traditional culture. Usually made of bronze, it has high artistic and collectible value. Bronze incense burners come in various shapes, including tripod, round cauldron, square cauldron, etc. Their surfaces are often carved with exquisite patterns, symbolizing auspiciousness and sacredness. In ancient times, bronze incense burners were mainly used for religious ceremonies, sacrificial activities, and the daily lives of the court and nobles. People express their admiration for the gods and pray for their protection by burning incense. It also reflects the ancient Chinese people's reverence for the nature of heaven and earth and their yearning for a better life.
Bronze ware from the Six Dynasties period, 'Six Dynasties Bronze Chicken shaped Incense Burner'

Bronze ware from the Six Dynasties period, 'Six Dynasties Bronze Chicken shaped Incense Burner'

This cultural relic is a bronze vessel called "Censer, bird shaped", which was created during the Six Dynasties period in China (220-589 AD). This incense burner is currently housed in the British Museum. The shape of this incense burner is a rooster with a chick. It is made of bronze and the size of this incense burner is 6 inches in height.
Lucky Beast (Foot End) Bronze Incense Burner

Lucky Beast (Foot End) Bronze Incense Burner

This cultural relic is one of a pair of lion incense burners, produced in the 17th century. Now collected at the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. These lions look like guardian lions, known as auspicious beasts (Lu Duan), each with a unicorn. They are mythical animals endowed with the ability to distinguish between good and evil. These legendary animals appear in pairs and are used to stand on both sides of the imperial throne in the Forbidden City, symbolizing the dignity, virtues, and wisdom of the royal family. The size of this pair of incense burners is 57.2 x 33 x 61 centimeters, made of bronze and decorated with splashed gold.
Bronze incense burners during the Qianlong period

Bronze incense burners during the Qianlong period

This incense burner was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong and bears the words' Made in the Qianlong Year of the Qing Dynasty ', possibly originating from a magnificent royal temple. Approximately 14 centimeters in height and 26.7 centimeters in diameter. This incense burner is a cultural relic from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736-95). Now it is collected in the British Museum.
Bronze censer in the Western Han Dynasty

Bronze censer in the Western Han Dynasty

This artifact is an incense burner with geometric decoration and narrative scenes. It is made of bronze and inlaid with gold, silver, turquoise and onyx. The dimensions are 17.9cm high and 10cm wide. The artwork may have originated in Henan or Hebei province. The date of production is about the 2nd century BC and belongs to the early Western Han Dynasty. The work is now in the collections of the Freer Gallery and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.