Old and Rare Bronze Tripod Censer. Buddhist Incense Burner. Early 1800’s. Temple. Tibet.
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Bowl formed into censer with reinforced mouth rim, lion head handles and feet. Used specifically in temples where there are high standards of quality.
Xuande mark? Not sure as this mark originally came out of the Xuande period (1400s). The mark was used often after this period of imperial commissions and heightened level of artistry as a sign of high-quality workmanship and creativity. But the signature on this bowl is not Chinese but is thought to be Tibet’s version of a stamp signifying high quality.
I was not able to get provenance on previous owners and the exact temple that this was used in. However, there is some evidence that this censer might have been in the Tholing Monastery (oldest monastery in western Tibet). If this could be verified, it would be a rare find suitable for a higher price.
Still, a rare find for a Serious Collector of censers. Stand is not included.