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Chinese Qing dynasty figurative censer bronze 19th century

19thC

The small bronze depicts a small seated faun, immortalized while playing a wind instrument as can be clearly seen by the puffy cheeks. is signed at the base R. Castagnino and is from...

Decorated with a cartouche on which the family coat of arms was probably engraved, this interesting small bronze object is a "cheer mortar" (also called a "mascolo" or "mastio" of ch...

Bronzetto firmato alla base F. de Luca, artista meridionale attivo fra XIX e XX secolo, raffigurante un'allegoria delle Arti. In secondo piano, la "Scultura", identificata da un put...

Bronzetto del XIX secolo su modello di "Niobe" di Francesco da Sant'Agata (nato e attivo in Veneto, Padova, alla metà del cinquecento). Il soggetto ebbe molta fortuna e ne esistono...

Child warrior Ne Zha is a legendary warrior deity in Chinese mythology, venerated across Taoism, Buddhism, and Chinese folk religion. He is primarily known as a god of protection, co...

From the Ming dynasty onwards, bronze figures of Daoist deities and immortals occupied an important place within the domestic interior. They appeared on household altars, scholar's desks, incense burners and ritual stands, serving both devotional and decorative purposes. Parcel gilding was frequently applied to emphasise significant details, creating a striking interplay between brilliant gold highlights and the darker bronze beneath. Among the most revered subjects were the Eight Immortals, whose distinctive attributes made them immediately recognisable and whose presence conveyed blessings of longevity, protection and prosperity. This finely cast figure represents Lu Dongbin, the scholar-swordsman and perhaps the most celebrated of the Eight Immortals. Associated with wisdom, self-cultivation and the triumph of virtue over temptation, Lu Dongbin remains one of the most enduring figures in Daoist tradition. He is depicted seated in a contemplative pose, his ample robes gathered around him in deeply modelled folds that pool gracefully at the front of the composition. The torso leans slightly forward, lending the figure an engaging sense of immediacy and introspection. His hair is arranged in a high topknot, while a long flowing beard, articulated with finely incised striations, frames a dignified and authoritative expression. Held delicately in his left hand is a rolled scroll, an attribute that reflects his scholarly nature and distinguishes him within the Daoist pantheon. His right hand is concealed within the sleeve of his robe in a gesture of restraint and quiet composure. Despite its compact scale, the figure possesses a remarkable sense of weight and presence, with refined modelling evident in the facial features, hands and drapery. Traces of the original parcel gilding survive across the chest, sleeves and folds of the garment, providing flashes of luminosity against the rich brown patina acquired over centuries. To the reverse, an oval aperture and unfinished attachment points indicate that the figure was originally mounted to a larger object, most likely an incense burner, altar fitting or ritual stand. The open underside and visible casting pits are entirely consistent with workshop practices of the late Ming and early Qing periods, offering an appealing insight into the methods of manufacture. Combining devotional significance, sculptural refinement and the atmospheric beauty of age, this early bronze is a compelling example of Chinese Daoist art...

A vintage lost wax cast bronze statuette of a Chinese ancestral figure with textured patina. Created with the traditional technique of the los...

Bronze sculpture, late 19th century, Asia Measures: H 19cm, W 15cm, W 8cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.