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Lot 86

Dragon Tripod Covered Vessel

Live — closing Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET

Estimate
$50–$100
Starting bid
$16
Bid on this lot

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About this lot

Country of Origin: Likely Taiwan, China

Period: Circa 1980s

Manufacturer: Unspecified

Medium: Molded/cast faux ivory resin or resin composite with fitted dark carved wood display stand

Dimensions: Approx. 9 × 9 in.

Condition: Minor surface wear and age related discoloration. Elaborate fitted cover, loose ring fittings and scrolling handles are present. Accompanied by a fitted dark wood display stand. No major structural losses observed.

Additional Information: Late 20th century Chinese style archaistic covered tripod vessel executed in molded faux ivory resin. The lower vessel stands on three animal form feet and is densely decorated with dragons, mythical beasts, scrolling ornament, key fret borders and loose ring fittings, flanked by large pierced scrolling handles.

The separately fitted tall cover continues the archaistic decoration with a beast mask ring handle and elaborate dragon/mythical animal relief. Both vessel and cover bear molded apocryphal Qianlong style marks, referencing Qing imperial decorative traditions rather than indicating 18th century manufacture.

The form derives from Chinese archaic tripod vessels such as the ding, which were revived in later Chinese decorative arts and could be adapted for incense use. Because this example has a solid, unpierced cover and no confirmed smoke venting feature, its original function cannot be established as an incense burner; it is therefore more accurately described as a covered decorative tripod vessel rather than a functional censer. Museum collections likewise distinguish between archaic tripod vessels and later incense burners derived from those forms. 

Lot details

Lot
86
Category
Display Objects
Estimate
$50–$100
Starting bid
$16
Bids
0
Bidding closes
Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
Starting bid $16
Bid on this lot

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