LATE MING DYNASTY
晚明双绳耳吉祥纹长方形青铜炉

High 13 X width 12 Cm

Of rectangular form, the bronze incense burner is characterized by reach engraved relief in “Qur’anic” inscriptions around the fourth side of the body.

Rested finely pitched on four-footed paws rising to a lipped rim set with a pair of upright inwards arches handle.

Ninth Chinese, symbols are stamped on the base.

This item is in good overall condition. There is some slight scratching dappled and discolouration to the patina consistent with age.

Footnotes:

The inscriptions is most virtuous supplication. Although this object bears the mark of the Ming emperor Zengde (1506-21), there is some evidence to suggest that the bronzes dated early were made about a century later than marked, and since nearly of the extant examples have Arabic or Persian inscriptions, they might have been made to show that Muslims played an important role in the society of the early Ming period. This was not necessary under Emperor Zhengde since he was known for his positive attitude towards Muslims.

Monaco Distinguished Private Collections

Comes with a certificate from the Art Loss Register