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Tripod incense burner

late 11th–early 12th 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.
By the twelfth century, the fascination with ancient bronzes stimulated new designs for imperial Song ceramics, such as this censer. Its tripod shape and cylindrical body evoke bronze wine containers of the third century BCE. Instead of being a faithful copy of ancient bronzes, this censer demonstrates the iconic beauty of Ru ware, one of the rarest types of Chinese ceramics. Its bluish-gray glaze with fine crackles is a marvel of naturalism meant to represent the color of the sky after rain.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 北宋　汝窯樽式爐
  • Title: Tripod incense burner
  • Period: Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
  • Date: late 11th–early 12th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Glazed stoneware (Ru ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 6 in. (15.3 cm); Diam. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: On loan with kind permission from the Trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of the Trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation; © The Trustees of the British Museum, London
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art