Tripod incense burner with makara

16th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220

Resting on three feet in the form of elephant heads, this incense burner features three long-snout dragons circling its body. Derived from Indic makara, this type of mythical creature was introduced into China via Tibetan Buddhism from the thirteenth century. Popular in the Ming court, makara dragons were widely found on stone carvings, porcelain, and cloisonné works throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

明中期掐絲琺瑯摩羯紋象足爐
Title: Tripod incense burner with makara
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: 16th century
Culture: China
Medium: Cloisonné enamel
Dimensions: H. (vessel) 13 in. (33 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
H. with lid 14 in. (35.6 cm)
Classification: Cloisonné
Credit Line: Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929
Object Number: 29.110.11a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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