Chinese Elaborate Celadon Zodiac Animals Censer Qi - Han

Chinese celadon glazed pinkish buff stoneware Daoist Zodiac animals large censer vessel. This is a monumental censer not only in workmanship and form but that it is likely the only one known to exist. The older Chinese Art text reference books dating to the early 20th century show that there are a few in same basic form with bears, or other animal form feet supporting the base but none were found containing the full collection of the twelve Daoist Zodiac animals arranged regally in military style garb on two levels of the cover as in this one. Bronze pieces from Zhou with bear feet also exist as found in the older references from which the stoneware pieces such as this were likely inspired during Warring States due to sudden scarcity of bronze that was being used in warfare predominantly. The censer was designed to allow incense smoke to rise via the central hole in the cover and also through the animals' mouths which also have through holes. The base bears are the only animals that do not have such vents. Precise age is unknown and no TL test has yet been performed. Period of creation is most likely end of Zhou (Warring States/Spring-Autumn) to Han. The type and color of clay and glaze match orher wares of this period. During this period the magnificent bronzes of the Zhou and prior periods were gradually supplanted with celadon-glazed stoneware pottery due to the scarcity of bronze supply resulting from many protracted wars between rival feuding states. Yet the ornamental ideals of past eras are strongly represented in the highly traditional and nostalgic aspirations of nobles who would want their departed to be surrounded by the same images of recent past centuries. Celadon stoneware was thus very popular commencing in Qi and through Eastern and Western Han, both for everyday use and burial wares; even until to the less detailed hill jars of Six Dynasties to Sui. Condition Notes: 1) Some ancient black pitch repairs had been carefully made to the seat edges of the base rim. 2) One animal had ear tips damaged. This censer may have been in use across centuries or even millennia by nobility and so the repair was expertly done with the best available technology. No other repairs or damage were found. This museum-quality artifact would likely sell for several times the price we are asking through a major product house such as Sotheby's or Christies. ~ 13-1/2" H x 7-1/2" bear base diameter x 5-1/2" lid base diameter. Bulbous body diameter ~8". Additional measurements and photos available by request. Please see all the photo as visual description of this item and for actual conditions. For pickup the cost is US $5000.00. This will cover all necessary arrangements, including fees charged by the attorney office where the sale and legal transfer of ownership (includes legal documents) will be conducted in a secure and private setting. "Cash On Pickup" constitutes any form of acceptable payment (NO CASHIERS CHECKS!) which includes physical US currency, bank wire transfer (we reserve to the right to verify your account and funds availability with your financial institution prior to transaction ) or Bitcoin (Crypto Transaction Fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer) AS WELL AS NM sales tax, which will be added to the total unless buyer has a sales tax exemption # from any US State), or any combination of US currency, PRE-APPROVED bank wire transfer & Bitcoin. We will also accept physical gold or silver bars or coins (subject to inspection and verification by our qualified expert). You will receive full instructions as to particulars and also a mutually agreed time that must be at least 5-10 business days prior to pickup. If you are coming by road we will provide precise directions. If by air, you can fly into the regional airport located here, into Midland/ Odessa, Lubbock or whichever airport best suits your needs and air travel carrier. Airport limo services are also available if needed. Please note: For technical reasons beyond our control, the image you see on your screen may vary in color and/or shade/intensity slightly from the image we have posted and from the actual. We strive to edit the photos so they will appear as close to the real object as possible, however, in digital processing, it is not always possible to be exactly precise. All surface anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics are inherent age-acquired qualities of antiques and are not interpreted as imperfections or damages. Thank you for your understanding. No returns unless GROSSLY not as described (i.e. received wrong/different item). Possible inaccuracies in dating and/or cultural attributions do not constitute "grossly not as described". Archaeological and anthropological interpretations and opinions may vary widely amongst collectors & scholars. The information presented herein represents the studied opinion of the author of this post who is neither an expert nor claims any affiliation with any academic or archaeological/anthropological institutions and is for informational purposes only. It is in no way meant to supercede or supplant any published, non-published or transient interpretations or any other information which my be currently widely accepted as fact. Use your own judgement and knowledge in analysis of the item(s) presented here for purchase. In addition, all surface/cosmetic/structural anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics which may be present, are inherent qualities of antiques and are not considered as imperfections or "not as described", regardless of whether or not they can be detected in listing photos or have been mentioned in the listing text. Item is being sold AS-IS. Note: We will not cancel any orders whether paid or unpaid unless we cannot fulfill them for any unforeseen reason. Please be sure you want the item before purchasing or making an offer. Any offer made that we have accepted is binding and payment is expected for said item. Local pickup in US.