Censer; China, 20th century. Porcelain. With mark... Lot 29

Censer; China, 20th century. Porcelain. With mark on the base. Measurements: 24 x 38.5 cm. Censers originated in the Bronze Age, in the 2nd millennium BC, and developed mainly during the Shang (19th to 11th centuries BC) and Zhou (11th to 3rd centuries BC) dynasties. They were always ritual pieces, and therefore for the exclusive use of the ruling class or as grave goods. 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 would begin to be treasured by rulers as symbols of political legitimacy.