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Incense burner with flowers

Attributed to Hu Wenming Chinese
early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220
Hu Wenming was among the most famous bronze artists working for the private market during the Ming era. His wares, expensive even during his lifetime, were esteemed for their luxurious delicacy. The pattern and form here also appear on another censer in the collection of the Shanghai museum that bears the mark of Hu’s son. Paired with this vessel’s fine craftsmanship, the features indicate that the censer is from Hu’s workshop—if not made by the master himself.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明晚期 胡文明款花卉紋銅爐
  • Title: Incense burner with flowers
  • Artist: Attributed to Hu Wenming (Chinese, active late 16th–early 17th century)
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy, parcel gilding, silver inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Diam. of rim 4 in. (10.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Seymour Fund and Gift of Mrs. Edward Brayton, by exchange, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.310
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Ruyi scepter, Hu Wenming Chinese, Copper alloy, silver inlay, parcel gilding, China
On loan to The Met
Ruyi scepter
Attributed to Hu Wenming
17th century
Dung-Chen, Brass, copper, cloisonné, Chinese
Dung-Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Perfume Burner Surmounted by a Satyr, Desiderio da Firenze Italian, Binary alloy (copper, tin, with traces of zinc, iron, nickel, silver, and antimony); a brown to olive green patina and minor traces of gilding.
Perfume Burner Surmounted by a Satyr
Workshop of Desiderio da Firenze
ca. 1530–40
Incense burner in the shape of a goose, Copper alloy, China
Incense burner in the shape of a goose
China
early 15th century
Bottle for incense tools, Hu Wenming Chinese, Parcel gilt copper alloy, silver inlay, China
Bottle for incense tools
Attributed to Hu Wenming
17th century

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