Antique Chinese Bronze Fangding Incense Burner with Pedestal – 3-Piece Set – Late Qing Dynasty (29.5 cm)
€1,490Bid from €1,341
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Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Physical Dimensions & Condition
Height: 29.5 cm | Width: 18.0 cm | Weight: 2.6 kg
This antique Chinese Fangding incense burner (29.5 cm) from the late Qing Dynasty forms an exceptionally complete three-piece ensemble consisting of the rectangular incense burner, the richly openwork lid with a flaming finial, and the original bronze presentation base. Its heavy, thick-walled bronze construction, refined dragon relief, and authentic historical patina make this a rare collector's item. Thanks to its complete state and impressive appearance, this incense burner makes a museum-worthy statement within a high-quality Asian art collection or exclusive interior.
The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this object is essential
The Fangding is among the most prestigious ritual bronze forms from Chinese antiquity and symbolizes stability, protection, and reverence for ancestors.
Fangding Form: Its square architecture represents the earth, stability, and cosmic order. Such bronze vessels were used for centuries during ritual offerings and incense ceremonies.
Mythological Dragons: The dragons depicted all around symbolize imperial power, protection, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
Lion-like Handles & Dragon-Legged Supports: The cast handles and legs refer to protective mythological creatures that, according to Chinese tradition, guard sacred places and precious objects.
Altar Object: As an incense burner, a Fangding formed the spiritual centerpiece of a temple, family chapel, or scholar's study, symbolizing reverence, wisdom, and harmony.
Material & Craftsmanship Analysis
Thick-Walled Bronze: The incense burner is crafted from high-quality, heavy cast bronze with an exceptionally solid construction, characteristic of quality Qing bronzes.
Historical Patina: The natural combination of warm brown tones, olive-green oxidation, and remnants of original fire-gilding gives the surface a rich, authentic appearance.
Original Cinnabar Undercoat: In protected areas, remnants of the traditional cinnabar-red undercoat, originally applied beneath the gilding, are still visible, a historical characteristic of high-quality Chinese bronzes.
Complete Three-Piece Set: The original openwork lid and solid bronze presentation base still accompany the vessel, a rare combination that significantly enhances its collector's value.
Specifications
Height: 29.5 cm (complete with lid and base)
Width: 18.0 cm
Weight: 2.6 kg
Origin: China
Period: Late Qing Dynasty (19th century)
Material: High-quality bronze with remnants of fire-gilding, cinnabar undercoat, and natural malachite patina
Construction: Complete three-piece ensemble with original openwork lid and bronze presentation base
Technique: Traditional bronze casting with manual chasing
Condition: Excellent unrestored antique condition with rich historical patina
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Chinese
- Style: Qing-dynastie
- Material: vuurvergulding
- Material: cinnaber
- Colour: olijfgroen
- Colour: cinnaberrood
- Period: Late Qing-dynastie (19e eeuw)
- availability: in_stock
Specifications
CategoryDecorative ObjectsConditionExcellentColorsBrownMaterialBronzeSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup