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20th century copper alloy incense burner inspired by traditional Chinese forms
Decorative square vessel for Asian interiors collections altars and display
Chinese Archaistic Bronze Censer Qilin Finial Incense Burner 20th Century
🖋️ Description
An impressive Chinese archaistic covered censer, cast in a substantial bronze or brass-type copper alloy and designed in the tradition of historical Chinese ritual and incense vessels.
The rounded square body stands on four short feet and is flanked by a pair of elegant scrolling handles. Its domed removable cover is pierced with shaped apertures to allow incense smoke to escape and is surmounted by a finely modelled reclining mythical animal, most plausibly a qilin, creating a strong sculptural focal point.
The surface is richly decorated with archaistic geometric borders and relief panels containing stylised seal-script-like characters and auspicious motifs. Repeated key-fret ornament around the body and cover reinforces the deliberately antiquarian character of the design.
The censer is unmarked and without documented provenance, so it is conservatively catalogued as a 20th-century Chinese archaistic piece, probably dating to the first or middle part of the century rather than being presented as an earlier Qing-period bronze.
Its substantial 1.05 kg weight, warm aged metal surface and architectural silhouette give it considerable decorative presence.
✨ Poetic Impression
Ancient signs in bronze remain
Qilin rests above the flame
Incense drifts through pierced design
Old-world echoes softly shine
🎁 For Whom
An appealing piece for collectors of Chinese and Asian decorative arts, archaistic bronzes, incense burners, Buddhist or altar objects, mythical animal sculpture and unusual vintage interior pieces. It would also make a distinctive gift for someone interested in traditional Chinese symbolism or historic-inspired metalwork.
🔮 How to Use
Display as a sculptural decorative object on a console, cabinet, study shelf or Asian-inspired interior. The removable pierced cover also allows it to function traditionally as an incense burner when used appropriately, while its strong silhouette makes it equally effective simply as a display piece.
Dimensions
Height: 15 cm
Width across handles: 13 cm
Opening beneath cover: approx. 8 × 8 cm
Base: approx. 7 × 7 cm
Weight: 1.05 kg
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related surface wear, minor scratches and areas of uneven patination and polishing. The removable cover and qilin finial are present, and no significant cracks, breaks or major losses are visible. Natural variations and surface marks are consistent with age and manufacture. Please refer to the photos for condition and details.
🔗 Explore More
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📦 Shipping & Packaging
Free UK delivery. Worldwide tracked shipping available. Securely packed using eco-friendly protective materials. Combined shipping offered for multiple purchases.
✉️ We’re always happy to help — if you have any questions about this item, delivery options, or our service, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The TARRARI team will gladly assist you.
🔍 SEO Keywords
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