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Tripod incense burner

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle mark and period (1403-24)
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
This powerful tripod censer exemplifies the stately magnificence of imperial bronze vessels cast in the early fifteenth century. Its form is close to that of imperial porcelain censers of the period. On its neck is a three-language mark in Chinese, Tibetan, and Sanskrit, which says it was bestowed in the Yongle period of the Great Ming. It was originally dedicated to the imperial-sponsored Qutan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in Ledu, Qinghai Province.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明永樂　賜瞿曇寺鎏金銅鼎
  • Title: Tripod incense burner
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle mark and period (1403-24)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gilt copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 25 7/8 in. (65.7 cm); W. 25 3/16 in. (64 cm); Diam. 20 in. (50.8 cm); Diam. of rim 13 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); Wt. 161.3 lb (73.2 kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Qinghai Provincial Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Qinghai Provincial Museum, Xining
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art