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Tripod incense burner

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
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 is among a very rare group of inlaid bronzes with specific marks associated with the Wan family, which may relate to Emperor Chenghua’s most favored concubine. It features a fine gold inlay of a popular Buddhist mantra, om mani padme hum, in Sanskrit seed letters. This type of inlay also shares a stylistic similarity with Goryeo inlaid bronzes, indicating a possible Sino-Korean exchange.

Mark
大明成化年萬家造
Made by the Wan family in the Chenghua reign of the Great Ming

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明成化　“萬家造”　款錯金銀朝天耳爐
  • Title: Tripod incense burner
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy, gold and silver inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm): W. 5 9/16 in. (14.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Musée Cernuschi, Musée des Arts de l'Asie de la Ville de Paris
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph CCO Paris Musées / Musée Cernuschi, Musée des Arts de l’Asie de la Ville de Paris
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art