Incense burner

late 18th century

Not on view

This massive tripod incense burner is a rare example of Chinese rootwood carving. Known as “natural wood” (tianran mu), such objects sought to evoke a rustic lifestyle by accentuating the irregularities inherent in rootwood over the regular surfaces of most human-made objects. Replicating the shape of a bronze tripod, it was further imbued with the archaistic taste so highly appreciated among the literati, reflecting both objects of antiquity and nature.

Artwork Details

清　天然木香鼎
Title: Incense burner
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: late 18th century
Culture: China
Medium: Rootwood, boxwood, and rosewood
Dimensions: H. 22 1/16 in. (56 cm); Diam. 13 in. (33 cm)
Classification: Wood
Credit Line: Purchase, Seymour Fund, by exchange, 2023
Object Number: 2023.403a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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