Hand warmer
Hand warmers, also known as sleeve censers (xiulu), are a luxury personal accessory. Containing a glowing piece of charcoal embedded in ashes, these handheld objects provided welcome warmth in unheated rooms; when incense was added, they also imparted a pleasant fragrance, which would waft from the openwork lid. The mark on its base relates this elegant work to Zhang Mingqi, the most outstanding maker of hand warmers of his time, and beyond.
Artwork Details
- 清 張鳴岐款暖手爐
- Title: Hand warmer
- Artist: Attributed to Zhang Mingqi (Chinese, act. 17th century)
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Diam. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.266a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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