A Chinese Bronze Censer with Chilong Handles

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), probably 18th century, the oval body cast in lobed panels and raised on three mask-form feet, the rim flanked by a pair of elaborately animated chilong dragon handles, they are shown crouching and gripping the vessel with lively expressions and curling tails, with an apocryphal six character Da Ming Xuande mark cast in recessed rectangle to the underside.


13 3/4 x 7 7/8 x 5 1/2 in.

From the Collection of Helen Rindlbacher Ward, and by descent
Helen Rindlbacher Ward was born in Shanghai in 1936 to German parents, her father was one of the few foreigners who worked at the Chinese Aluminium Rolling Mills, Ltd company. Her family returned to Germany in 1955, and Helen moved to the United States in 1965 after marrying an Army officer. The Chinese artworks in this collection were all acquired in Shanghai during the 1930s-1950s.

Inspired by ritual bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, censers of this type reflect the Qing dynasty’s enduring fascination with antiquity. Censers of this form are also referred to as ‘narcissus bowls’, and they may have been used to fulfill a number of functions on the desk of the scholar.

Allover surface marks to exterior, wear and oxidation spotting to interior with traces of incense ash and a shallow central burn depression; one handle with visible crack to one element.