27.9 cm. (11 in.) wide

The set modelled in imitation of archaic bronze ritual vessels: the ding of globular form supported on three cabriole legs rising to a waisted neck and thick straight rim, each side flanked by a flaring S-shaped handle, worked on the base with a six-character zhuanshu imperial seal mark; each gu of a spherical body raised on a bell-shaped foot up to a flaring trumpet neck, the surface left undecorated except with a beautiful sheen of persimmon brown-coloured patina.Tripod incense burners date their origins way back to the tripod ‘udder’ vessels of Neolithic pottery. The earliest examples in bronze date from the Shang and Western Zhou dynasty and were used as ritual and sacrificial vessels as well as cauldrons for cooking. By the Song dynasty, these tripod incense burners gradually made their way into the scholar’s studio as objects of contemplation for the literati. In this setting, they were used as incense burners - a sensory accoutrement and source of inspiration for the Chinese scholar’s artistic and literary pursuits. In the context of the present lot, the set of three were probably used more as ritual altar vessels in the imperial household during the Qianlong period.The current lot also has an attractive persimmon-coloured patina of the exterior. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the patina is highly regarded as a means of showing refinement and personality, and also a creative outlet for both craftsmen and collectors. The most sought-after patina was one that naturally develops over time. During the Xuande period, to imitate these ancient patinas, a fashion also emerged for chemically-treating the surface of the bronze after casting. The surface colours produced ranged from russet hues and tea-brown to gunmetal grey and surfaces mottled with greens and blacks. The preset set of ritual altar vessel of the Qianlong period most probably bears homage to the styles of the predecessors, achieving a similar patina visually which resonates with the natural wearing from aging.Provenance:A Chicago private collection, acquired in the 1950s

Price estimate:
HKD: 1,200,000 - 1,800,000
USD: 153,000 - 230,000

Auction Result:
HKD: --