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Incense burner with fish-shaped handles

16th–17th century
Not on view
Connoisseurs particularly admired the lustrous surface and sublime patina of legendary bronze incense burners of the Xuande era (1426–35). Numerous incense burners bear Xuande marks, which do not necessarily indicate their actual production date but rather serve as an homage to a past glory. Decorated with a smooth red and gold patina, this censer would have been handled by literati in their studios and cherished as a fashionable pastime.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明晚期 宣德款銅魚耳爐
  • Title: Incense burner with fish-shaped handles
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 16th–17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); Diam. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); Diam. of rim 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Diam. of foot 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.100.547
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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