Lot 21
RARE BRONZE TRIPOD 'EIGHT IMMORTALS' INCENSE BURNER
MING DYNASTY
Fine Asian & Islamic Works of Art
Auction: 3 November 2023 from 09:00 GMT
Description
明 銅八仙三足筒爐
of cylindrical form set on three bracket feet, cast in high relief on the recessed body with four immortals each with their attributes separated by pine tree, bamboo, rockwork and flowering branches
Dimensions
10.7cm high; 660g
Provenance
Provenance: Nicholas S Pitcher, 7 November 2017, with an original receipt.
Dr. Kenneth P. Lawley's inventory number: M.55.
Footnote
Note: The immortals depicted around the body of the censer, Cao Guojiu, recognised by his twin tablets, or castanets; He Xiangu, holding a stem of lotus flower across her shoulders; Li Tieguai, holding an iron staff and a double-gourd; and Lan Caihe, sitting on rockwork with a basket of flowers, are four of the Eight Immortals.
A highly similar bronze tripod 'nine sages' incense burner, dated to the late Ming dynasty, note the comparable form, treatment on the high relief upper body of the figures, design of the feet, and the pinhole decoration around the lipped rim, was previously in the collection of Roger Keverne, sold at Bonhams London, 7 June 2021, lot 549.
Please note this lot will be offered with no reserve. 本拍品不設底價