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Five-piece altar set (wugong)

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng mark and period (1723–25)
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
The five-piece altar set became the standard for state rites no later than the sixteenth century. During the Qing dynasty, imperially commissioned altar sets maintained this precedent. This finely cast example is among the most complete sets that survive from the eighteenth century, even retaining the censer’s original incense rack (for resting joss sticks).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清　雍正銅五供
  • Title: Five-piece altar set (wugong)
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng mark and period (1723–25)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: Incense burner: H. including incense rest 37 3/16 in. (94.4 cm); W. 23 ¾ in. (60.4 cm); D. 13 7/8 in. (35.3 cm); Wt. 158.1 lb (71.7 kg)
    Vase (each): H. 23 ¾ in. (60.4 cm); W. 12 in. (30.5 cm); D. 8 ½ in. (21.6 cm); Wt. 53.4 lb (24.2 kg)
    Candlestick (each): H. 26 ¾ in. (67 cm); Diam. 12 3/8 in. (31.8 cm); Wt. 58.2 lb (26.4 kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Minneapolis Institute of Art, Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph © Minneapolis Institute of Art/Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton/Bridgeman Images
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art