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Antique Chinese Qing Cloisonné Enamel Bronze Censer Vase in Dragon Turtle Figure

Price:$1,995

About the Item

PATINATED GILT-BRONZE AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘BIXI AND GU’ CENSER / VASE, QING DYNASTY, CHINA, CIRCA 1850 OR EARLIER A magnificent, very high-quality, incredibly colored 19th century Chinese cloisonné enameled censer in the figural form of a stylized dragon turtle tortoise and vase (Bixi Gu) Exceptionally executed throughout, finely cast in two parts, the large crouching mythical creature with its neck outstretched looking up, mouth agape to let out the incense fumes, large eyes and incised wavy sculpted mane, supporting a separately cast gu vase with four large loose ring handles on its back. The carapace richly enameled with geometric hexagonal flower motif on a turquoise blue ground enclosed by running greek-key band; The distinctively shaped gu exquisitely enameled with scrolling foliate and petal bands. Finished on all sides, the artisan spared no expense, even decorating the underside plastron. All enhanced by beautifully aged patina and highly desirable visually striking verdigris that can only be acquired over very long periods of time DIMENSIONS: (approx) 13.375" High, 15" Wide, 8.5" Deep PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: 10/24: Acquired from the reputable auction house, Dallas Auction Gallery, Dallas Design District, Texas. Fall: Asian Antiques Works Of Art catalog, lot#0004 Owned and curated by Reyne Hirsch, a long time media personality and expert in 20th century decorative arts. Hirsch was a top appraiser for Antiques Roadshow on PBS for 13 years. She's also a leading contributer to the Huffington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, amongst other publications. Hirsch has also founded highly regarded permanent art galleries as well as important exhibits throughout the United States. REFERENCE / LITERATURE: A related cloisonné turtle, 13.1 cm long, dated to the first half of the 18th century, illustrated by H. Brinker and A. Lutz in Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, USA, 1989, pls. 259. HISTORY / RELEVANT INFORMATION: The bixi is a figure from Chinese mythology and has the shell of a tortoise and the body of a dragon. Stone sculptures of bixi have been used in Chinese culture for over a millennium as a decorative plinth for commemorative steles. According to the 1957 survey by Chêng Tê-k'un, the earliest extant tortoise-borne stele is thought to be the one at the tomb of Fan Min. The word bixi is translated by Chinese dictionaries as "strong," "capable to support great weight," hence its use as a base support as it is for the gu in the present lot. *ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST* CONDITION: A remarkable example, museum quality, in overall great antique condition. Presents superbly, attractive appearance, heavily patinated, with significant sought-after verdigris. Minor scattered patination oxidation, tarnish, worn finish and accretions. Remnants of old incense to body vessel. Expected wear commensurate with age, use, handling and exposure. Overall an outstanding work of functional art! It makes for a stunning sculpture, statue, joss burner and floral bouquet vase, sure to add a touch of whimsical elegance, sophistication, and rich cultural interest to any space!

Dimensions:
Height: 13.375 in (33.98 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)
Style:
Qing (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Enamel,Cast,Enameled,Gilt,Patinated,Polychromed
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1850 or earlier
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Overall wonderful, in great antique condition, attractive appearance, heavily patinated with desirable verdigris. Minor scattered patination oxidation, tarnish, worn finish, accretions, expected wear commensurate with age, use, handling, exposure.
Seller Location:
Forney, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5977242746642

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