Incense Burner

Currently not on view

Incense Burner

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

The form of this jade incense burner with a pagoda top is reminiscent of Ming dynasty (1368–1644) bronze censers and later examples that took their inspiration from Shang (1500–1050 BCE) and Zhou (c. 1100–256 BCE) dynasty ritual tripod food vessels. Smoke from the burning incense wafted out from between the pierced sides of the cover to create the illusion of a pagoda amid clouds while perfuming the air.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Incense Burner

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Jade (nephrite) with carved decoration

Dimensions:

14 5/8 x 11 inches (37.1 x 28 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Henry W. Breyer, 1952

Accession Number:

1952-1-1a--c

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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Currently not on view