Qing Dynasty | Bronze Censer | Twin Elephants & Vajra Finial | 18th Century

$1,200.00
$1,200.00
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Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, and vajra finial on a white background.
Side view of an 18th-century Qing bronze incense burner showing detailed elephant-head handle and phoenix relief.
Three-quarter view of Qing Dynasty bronze censer with pierced lid, elephant handles, and crescent-shaped base.
Open-lid view of 18th-century bronze censer displaying interior patina and detached domed lid with vajra finial.
Video showcasing an 18th-century Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix decorations, and ritual vajra finial.
  • Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
  • Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
  • Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
  • Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, and vajra finial on a white background.
  • Side view of an 18th-century Qing bronze incense burner showing detailed elephant-head handle and phoenix relief.
  • Three-quarter view of Qing Dynasty bronze censer with pierced lid, elephant handles, and crescent-shaped base.
  • Open-lid view of 18th-century bronze censer displaying interior patina and detached domed lid with vajra finial.
  • Video showcasing an 18th-century Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix decorations, and ritual vajra finial.
Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Antique Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner, circa 18th–19th century, with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, pierced domed lid crowned by a vajra finial, and crescent-shaped base, retaining traces of gilding and natural verdigris patina.
Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix motifs, and vajra finial on a white background.
Side view of an 18th-century Qing bronze incense burner showing detailed elephant-head handle and phoenix relief.
Three-quarter view of Qing Dynasty bronze censer with pierced lid, elephant handles, and crescent-shaped base.
Open-lid view of 18th-century bronze censer displaying interior patina and detached domed lid with vajra finial.
Video showcasing an 18th-century Qing Dynasty bronze censer with elephant-head handles, phoenix decorations, and ritual vajra finial.

Qing Dynasty | Bronze Censer | Twin Elephants & Vajra Finial | 18th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: China / Tibet (Qing Imperial influence)
Material: Cast bronze with traces of gilt finish and natural verdigris patina
Period: Qing Dynasty, circa 18th – early 19th century

Description
This highly unusual and decorative Qing Dynasty incense burner features twin elephant-head handles, each finely stippled for texture, flanking a vessel body adorned with stylized phoenix (fenghuang) motifs in relief. The pierced, domed lid is crowned by a Buddhist vajra finial, symbolizing spiritual power and ritual protection. The burner rests on a distinctive crescent-shaped foot base decorated with scrolling wave patterns, combining Chinese and Tibetan design elements in a harmonious, ceremonial form. The piece exemplifies the blending of religious symbolism and artistry typical of high-quality Qing-era devotional or noble household objects.

Features

- Twin elephant-head handles with textured detail

- Relief decoration of phoenix (fenghuang) motifs on body

- Pierced openwork domed lid topped with vajra finial

- Crescent-shaped base with scroll ornamentation

- Original surface patina with traces of gilding

Cultural Significance
Elephants are powerful symbols of wisdom, strength, and stability across both Chinese and Tibetan traditions, while the phoenix embodies renewal, prosperity, and auspicious fortune. The addition of the vajra finial emphasizes the object’s ritual function within Buddhist ceremonial contexts. Such censers were likely used in temples or noble residences, where incense offerings played a vital role in purification, meditation, and devotional practices.

Condition
Very good antique condition. Rich natural patina with areas of oxidation, minor gilt loss, and surface wear consistent with age and ritual use. No major losses or restorations. Lid fits securely.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 10 in

Age
Estimated 200–250 years old (Qing Dynasty, circa 18th – early 19th century)

Learn More

Explore a comparable Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner in a major museum collection:
Qing Dynasty Bronze Censer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Browse additional imperial-era bronzes, ritual vessels, and ancient Chinese artifacts in our curated collection: Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics – Relic And Rarity

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: China / Tibet (Qing Imperial influence)
Material: Cast bronze with traces of gilt finish and natural verdigris patina
Period: Qing Dynasty, circa 18th – early 19th century

Description
This highly unusual and decorative Qing Dynasty incense burner features twin elephant-head handles, each finely stippled for texture, flanking a vessel body adorned with stylized phoenix (fenghuang) motifs in relief. The pierced, domed lid is crowned by a Buddhist vajra finial, symbolizing spiritual power and ritual protection. The burner rests on a distinctive crescent-shaped foot base decorated with scrolling wave patterns, combining Chinese and Tibetan design elements in a harmonious, ceremonial form. The piece exemplifies the blending of religious symbolism and artistry typical of high-quality Qing-era devotional or noble household objects.

Features

- Twin elephant-head handles with textured detail

- Relief decoration of phoenix (fenghuang) motifs on body

- Pierced openwork domed lid topped with vajra finial

- Crescent-shaped base with scroll ornamentation

- Original surface patina with traces of gilding

Cultural Significance
Elephants are powerful symbols of wisdom, strength, and stability across both Chinese and Tibetan traditions, while the phoenix embodies renewal, prosperity, and auspicious fortune. The addition of the vajra finial emphasizes the object’s ritual function within Buddhist ceremonial contexts. Such censers were likely used in temples or noble residences, where incense offerings played a vital role in purification, meditation, and devotional practices.

Condition
Very good antique condition. Rich natural patina with areas of oxidation, minor gilt loss, and surface wear consistent with age and ritual use. No major losses or restorations. Lid fits securely.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 10 in

Age
Estimated 200–250 years old (Qing Dynasty, circa 18th – early 19th century)

Learn More

Explore a comparable Qing Dynasty bronze incense burner in a major museum collection:
Qing Dynasty Bronze Censer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Browse additional imperial-era bronzes, ritual vessels, and ancient Chinese artifacts in our curated collection: Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics – Relic And Rarity

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