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Incense burner

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The openwork on the vessel’s lid allowed fragrant smoke to waft out when incense was burning inside. Whereas in later dynasties charcoal was used to heat incense wood, the practice of the Han period and earlier was to burn fragrant plants, as discovered through specimens found in archaeological excavations. The elite owners of incense burners such as this one would have demanded elaborate craftsmanship and expensive material to demonstrate their wealth and taste. The brilliant gilded surface and magnificent openwork of entwined dragons perfectly answered the request.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 铜鎏金熏炉
  • Title: Incense burner
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm): Diam. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Museum of Qi State Site
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art