Brasero trípode chino de bronce con relieve dorado, asas de elefante y medallón de tigre, 33 cm

A commanding, altar-scale tripod censer in heavy cast bronze, its gilt tiger medallion framed by cloud and floral scrolls and its sides anchored by elephant-head handles. Warm brown patina and selective gilding give it the theatrical presence of traditional ritual metalwork and the gravity to change the atmosphere of a room.

The Piece

This commanding, altar-scale incense burner is cast in heavy bronze (or bronze alloy) in the classic tripod censer form, with sculptural elephant-head handles and a lid crowned by an openwork finial. Across the body, a raised gilt relief panel depicts a tiger within a rounded cartouche, framed by scrolling cloud and floral ornament, an iconographic set that reads as auspicious power, protection and authority. The surface carries a deep, warm brown patina with selective gilded highlights, the theatrical presence collectors seek in traditional ritual metalwork.

On the sides, the elephant-ear handles are modeled as beast heads with curled trunks, a motif that bridges court taste and temple culture across the wider East Asian world. In censer design these handles are more than decoration: they visually anchor the vessel, lending ceremonial weight even before incense is lit. The censer stands on three feet and comes with a fitted pedestal base, which improves airflow beneath the bowl and gives the display a formal, shrine-like silhouette.

Whatever its exact period, the workmanship and scale make it a serious interior object, not a light decorative casting, and the lidded form with pedestal base presents a complete shrine-display silhouette. It suits a tokonoma-style display, a collector's cabinet or a calm scent-ritual corner where incense becomes a daily practice, and it will speak to collectors drawn to temple metalwork, cabinet-of-curiosities drama or ritual interiors where scent is part of daily discipline.

Details

• Era: Antique style; date attributed only
• Origin: Chinese style
• Material: Heavy cast bronze (or bronze alloy) with gilt relief highlights
• Color: Deep, warm brown patina with selective gilding
• Motifs: Tiger in a rounded cartouche with scrolling cloud and floral ornament; elephant-head handles with curled trunks; openwork lid finial
• Measurements: Height approx. 33 cm · Mouth diameter approx. 16.8 cm · Body diameter approx. 24 cm · Max width (handle to handle) approx. 34.5 cm
• Weight: 13.4 kg
• Included: Lid; fitted pedestal base
• Marks: Stamped or cast mark plaque on the underside

Condition

• General age wear and surface patina consistent with use and storage.
• Minor scuffs, small dings and rubbing to the gilding are to be expected.
• The photographs are the reference for exact condition; monitor color differences may occur.

Authenticity & Care

The underside bears a stamped or cast mark plaque, but marks and style can be reproduced, so the date is treated as attributed pending expert in-hand appraisal. This description rests on photographs and the measurements and information available; age, alloy and origin should be confirmed by professional appraisal where certainty is required. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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