Incense burner in the shape of a goose

14th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 216

On loan to The Met

This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.

This incense burner takes the form of a goose, standing tall and stretching its long, graceful neck. Multiple types of incised lines delineate the plumage and webbed feet, showing the artist’s mastery of engraving and attention to anatomical details. When in use, the burner vents fragrant smoke from the goose’s beak. It illustrates a dramatic shift during the fourteenth century toward naturalistic depictions of such birds.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

元至明初　銅鵝香薰
Title: Incense burner in the shape of a goose
Period: Yuan (1271–1368) to early Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: 14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 26 3/8 in. (67 cm); W. 15 in. (38.1 cm); D. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); Wt. 15.5 lb (7 kg)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
Curatorial Department: Asian Art