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Tripod incense burner

China

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 213

This incense burner is among a very rare group of inlaid bronzes with specific marks associated with the Wan family, which may relate to Emperor Chenghua’s most favored concubine. It features a fine gold inlay of a popular Buddhist mantra, om mani padme hum, in Sanskrit seed letters. This type of inlay also shares a stylistic similarity with Goryeo inlaid bronzes, indicating a possible Sino-Korean exchange.

Mark
大明成化年萬家造
Made by the Wan family in the Chenghua reign of the Great Ming

Tripod incense burner, Copper alloy, gold and silver inlay, China

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Tripod incense burner, Copper alloy, gold and silver inlay, China
Tripod incense burner, Copper alloy, gold and silver inlay, China
Tripod incense burner, Copper alloy, gold and silver inlay, China

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