Incense burner - Bronze - Parrot calabash 35 cm





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Bronze sculpture titled Papegaaien kalebas 35 cm, depicting two parrots on a calabash, dating to ca. 1980–1990, from China; height 35 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 10.5 cm, weight 1.735 kg, in good condition with minor signs of ageing and small stains; attributes include material bronze and the piece’s warm patina.
Description from the seller
* Dutch seller with more than 25 years of experience in Tibet, Nepal and China
* No extra costs for European buyers — no customs duties, import VAT or handling costs, which you would pay with all other Asian suppliers on this auction
* 100% transparent — all photos are taken by us and show exactly the object you will receive
* No intermediaries — we ship our products ourselves, directly to you via easy-to-follow Track and Trace codes
* Lightning-fast shipping — always within 2 working days, usually within 1 business day
* Fair & combined shipping costs — combined shipping active on all our auction items
* Flexible shipping — after payment you can simply provide a preferred shipping date
* 100% Reliable — Your package will always be shipped, regardless of the final bid.
Symbolism and meaning:
The two parrots (often parakeets or parrots) on a calabash form a classic Chinese motif with rich symbolism:
Parrots in pairs symbolize marital happiness, loyalty and harmony between partners. In Chinese, the word for parrot (鹦鹉, yīngwǔ) sounds similar to words referring to friendship and affection.
The calabash (葫芦, húlu) is one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture. It represents luck, fertility, health and protection against evil. By its shape — narrow in the middle and wide at both ends — it also symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.
Together, the birds on the calabash form a symbol of true marital happiness, prosperity and a long, healthy life together.
Function:
As an incense burner this piece was used during rituals, meditation or simply to scent the space. The smoke rose between the birds, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the object.
Artistic features:
The fine detailing of the feathers, the elegant stance of the birds and the naturalistic rendering of the calabash with leaves display high-level craftsmanship. The warm brown patina is characteristic of antique bronze.
Seller's Story
* Dutch seller with more than 25 years of experience in Tibet, Nepal and China
* No extra costs for European buyers — no customs duties, import VAT or handling costs, which you would pay with all other Asian suppliers on this auction
* 100% transparent — all photos are taken by us and show exactly the object you will receive
* No intermediaries — we ship our products ourselves, directly to you via easy-to-follow Track and Trace codes
* Lightning-fast shipping — always within 2 working days, usually within 1 business day
* Fair & combined shipping costs — combined shipping active on all our auction items
* Flexible shipping — after payment you can simply provide a preferred shipping date
* 100% Reliable — Your package will always be shipped, regardless of the final bid.
Symbolism and meaning:
The two parrots (often parakeets or parrots) on a calabash form a classic Chinese motif with rich symbolism:
Parrots in pairs symbolize marital happiness, loyalty and harmony between partners. In Chinese, the word for parrot (鹦鹉, yīngwǔ) sounds similar to words referring to friendship and affection.
The calabash (葫芦, húlu) is one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture. It represents luck, fertility, health and protection against evil. By its shape — narrow in the middle and wide at both ends — it also symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.
Together, the birds on the calabash form a symbol of true marital happiness, prosperity and a long, healthy life together.
Function:
As an incense burner this piece was used during rituals, meditation or simply to scent the space. The smoke rose between the birds, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the object.
Artistic features:
The fine detailing of the feathers, the elegant stance of the birds and the naturalistic rendering of the calabash with leaves display high-level craftsmanship. The warm brown patina is characteristic of antique bronze.

