Magnificent and Large Antique Champlevé Enameled Bronze Censer / Incense Burner Vessel / Container. China
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Magnificent is a bit of an understatement for this stately vessel. Acquired from a Chinese family estate in Connecticut, this piece dates to the mid-1880s.
The design of dragon handles and the foo / fu dog on top is stunning and quite rare. Vented lid. There was some repair done to the foo dog / lion a number of years back., but it is not noticeable.
Champlevé is a Chinese enameling technique that started in the 5th Century. The process involves carving or chiseling of a bronze vessel followed by enamel being placed in the depressions . . . then, followed by firing and then grinding/polishing.
In this piece, some of the depressions are enamel filled. Some areas are painted and fired.
For the Serious Collector.