Antique Chinese Bronze Tripod Xuande cartouche (1426-1435)

Antique Chinese bronze incenser of a cylindrical form on tripod feet, standing on a carved wood base. The interior of the censer has natural green patina indicative consistent with age. The base is impressed with a six characte Xuande cartouche (1426-1435).
The Xuande Emperor, personal name Zhu Zhanji (朱瞻基), was the fifth emperor of the Ming dynasty, ruling from 1425 to 1435. His era name "Xuande" means "Proclamation of Virtue". Zhu Zhanji was the eldest son of the Hongxi Emperor and Empress Chengxiaozhao. He was described as a crown prince who was endowed with the quality of an excellent monarch in a section surrounded by superstition, of his biography. His grandfather, Yongle Emperor, had high hopes that he might play an important part to assist his father.
He was fond of poetry and literature. Although he continued to refer to Beijing as the secondary capital on all official documents, he maintained it as his residence and continued to rule there in the style of his grandfather, the Yongle Emperor. He permitted Zheng He to lead the seventh and last of his maritime expeditions.

Dimensions: 4" w x 3 1/2" h (4 3/4" h on base)