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Incense burner

13th–14th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Incense burners in the shape of a pedestal bowl with silver and sometimes gold inlays were typical in Goryeo Korea from the twelfth to the fourteenth century. Decorated with silver-inlaid floral scrolls and Sanskrit letters, this censer would have been presented as an offering to a Buddhist altar. Historical records show that Goryeo inlaid vessels were already in Chinese collections during the thirteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 高麗 銅錯銀絲梵字香爐
  • Title: Incense burner
  • Period: Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
  • Date: 13th–14th century
  • Culture: Korea
  • Medium: Copper alloy, silver inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); Diam. of rim 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm); Diam. of foot 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Korea
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of National Museum of Korea, Seoul
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art