Rare Chinese Stoneware Tripod Censer and Jade Bixie Figure Lead Upcoming Bonhams Skinner Sale

Chinese ceramics date back to the Paleolithic era and rose to new heights during the Tang dynasty era. This was a period of great arts, culture, and discoveries, as well as advances and innovations in ceramics, which is why antiques from this period are prized today. A glazed stoneware tripod censer from this era is a key highlight of the upcoming J. J. Lally & Co. auction from Bonhams Skinner. The dark olive-brown glazed spherical vessel is heavily potted with rounded sides rising from three short legs decorated with a rim and neck. As a result of uneven glazing, the exterior and interior of this piece have different tones.

Another Chinese lot of interest is a jade figure of a recumbent beast, a bixie. This piece from the Six Dynasties era features a beast, a crouching figure poised for a leap. The creature shares a great deal in common with Han prototypes, including its posture and bulging eyes. The six Dynasties spanned between the Han dynasty’s collapse in 220 CE and the Sui dynasty’s conquest of South China. Explore more items and register to bid in the J. J. Lally & Co. sale by visiting Bonhams Skinner’s website.