Tripod incense burner
The inscription encircling this censer’s lower belly indicates that it was from a specific order of a Daoist householder from Xiangxiang (now Hunan Province). The work loosely emulates the form of ancient bronze tripods and their ornamental bands of animal masks. Its underside, in contrast, has a finely cast medallion composed of contemporary patterns, including floral scrolls and lotus petals. Within one of the rings are the eight trigrams, which are widely used in Daoist divination.
Artwork Details
- 元至正 八卦獸面紋三足銅爐
- Title: Tripod incense burner
- Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
- Date: dated 1346
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Diam. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Diam. of rim 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.244
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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