Tiered incense burner

late 19th–early 20th 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.

In addition to tiered trays for storing incense materials, this censer includes an openwork tray for burning incense powder as well as a set of utility spatulas. Each side is incised with line drawings of bronze vessels and calligraphic inscriptions from various antiques. Vessels like this one were made of a copper-nickel alloy (paktong or baitong). With rich surface ornament and epigraphic content, incised paktong wares represent the final flowering of invention in the long history of Chinese bronze production and remained popular among literati into the early twentieth century.

Mark
膠縣志成薛志臣作造
Made by Xue Zhichen of Jiaoxian County.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

清　白銅金石文字香印盒
Title: Tiered incense burner
Artist: Xue Zichen (Chinese, act. late 19th–early 20th century)
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: late 19th–early 20th century
Culture: China
Medium: Copper-nickel alloy
Dimensions: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm); D.6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. (1.8 kg)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
Curatorial Department: Asian Art