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Tripod censer

mid-18th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 221
The intense marbleized orange color of this incense burner successfully imitates realgar, an arsenic sulfide mineral used in Chinese traditional medicine. This mineral has long been understood as an antidote to various venoms and as a substance with the ability to ward off evil. By evoking realgar, this vessel would have been thought to be imbued with additional power, making it a highly appreciated item on a scholar’s desk.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清乾隆 雄黃料玻璃三足爐
  • Title: Tripod censer
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
  • Date: mid-18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Glass
  • Dimensions: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); Diam. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation and Barbara and William Karatz Gifts, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.334
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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