Censer. China, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644

Censer. China, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644.
Bronze.
Slight paint stain.
It has a seal on the inside.
Measurements: 35 x 22 cm (diameter).
Bronze censer standing on three legs designed as a tripod. The legs, which stand on a ball-shaped foot, are notable for their zoomorphic design, as each one represents the head of an elephant, which are joined together to form the base of the body of the piece, which is decorated with vegetal ornamentation. bronze censers Censers were valued as pieces linked to rituals, and therefore for the exclusive use of the ruling class or as funerary offerings. Bronze vessels were mainly used in sacrifices to ancestors, and also as a means of communication between heaven and earth, as well as in ceremonial banquets (propitiatory rites). In later times the bronze vessel would be very important, and it would be considered a good omen to find an ancient bronze, especially related to the legitimacy of the ruler. In fact, from the Han dynasty (3rd century AD) onwards, they will begin to be treasured by rulers as symbols of political legitimacy.
The Ming dynasty is one of the longest periods in Chinese history, lasting approximately three centuries. After the Yuan period of foreign domination, the Ming period saw the re-establishment of traditional Chinese values. The seventeen emperors of this dynasty reigned in a state of relative peace and prosperity and belonged to the Han ethnic group (the majority in China), as did the civil service. The economy was transformed from an agrarian to a fully mercantile state at the end of the dynasty.