Incense burner with floral pattern

17th–18th century
Not on view
Taking the form of a typical Chinese incense burner, this vessel features an unusual decoration. The tree peonies and rocks encircling the exterior and the palmettes adorning the handles were likely chased from the vessel’s original plain surface by a European metalsmith. In addition to a spurious Xuande mark in Chinese, its base bears a second mark, “ALPH GIROUX PARIS,” revealing that the vessel once belonged to Alphonse Giroux (1775/76–1848), a French dealer in luxury goods.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清 宣德款銅爐 (法國鏨刻花卉紋)
  • Title: Incense burner with floral pattern
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 17th–18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy, parcel gilding, and silvering
  • Dimensions: H. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); W. incl. handles 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); Diam. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); Diam. of foot 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2019
  • Object Number: 2019.317
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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