Large Chinese Bronze Censer with Standing Boy (Tongzi) A finely cast Chinese bronze figural censer, Qing dynasty (18th–19th century), modelled as a standing boy (tongzi) supporting a large sack-form vessel above his head. The youthful figure is shown in lively contrapposto, one leg slightly bent, his head gently tilted to the side, with a serene and playful expression. The boy wears a short robe finely decorated with incised floral and geometric motifs, tied at the waist with a sash and falling in softly modelled folds. The facial features are delicately rendered, with almond-shaped eyes, a subtle smile, and stylised hair arranged in small locks, conveying a strong sense of charm and movement typical of Qing figural bronzes. The vessel takes the form of a bulging sack with a flaring, irregular rim, decorated in relief with tied rope motifs and auspicious emblems. The reverse of the sack is pierced, indicating that the object was conceived as a censer. The iconography of the boy figure is traditionally associated with prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. The bronze is mounted on a separately cast shaped stand with scrolling feet, providing stability and visual balance. The surface displays a rich, dark patina with natural wear consistent with age, enhancing the sculptural details. Period: Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century Material: Bronze Height: 36 cm Provenance: Old private collection, The Netherlands. Technical note: The bronze was manufactured using a traditional multi-part casting technique. The figural element and the stand were cast separately and joined using an internal iron reinforcement system. Inside the base is a heavy circular iron plate, from which an iron pin originally extended upward to secure the bronze figure. The pin is now partially corroded and reduced in thickness due to age-related oxidation, which is consistent with historical construction methods and prolonged natural aging. This internal iron armature was intended to provide stability and structural strength and was never meant to be visible. Condition The bronze is in overall good condition, consistent with age and use. -The surface displays natural wear and patina, with minor rubbing and surface irregularities commensurate with age. - The figural bronze and the stand are structurally intact. -The figure is attached to the stand using an original internal iron reinforcement system. The iron pin, which originally secured the figure to the internal iron plate within the base, is now partially corroded and reduced in thickness, with some loss due to oxidation over time. -This corrosion is age-related and typical for historic iron components used internally in Qing-period bronzes. -The bronze itself shows no structural cracks related to this feature. -The underside shows oxidation and wear consistent with prolonged age. -Minor surface irregularities and casting flaws may be present, as expected in hand-cast bronzes of this period. Overall, the condition is stable and appropriate for a Qing dynasty bronze of this type and size.