Incense burner with dragon, phoenix, and sea creatures
The surface of this incense burner is decorated with mythical creatures moving in and out of the waves in high relief. Combining the techniques of openwork and relief, its lid features a dragon and phoenix soaring among clouds. In the late Ming dynasty, connoisseurs praised the perfect casting of imperial bronzes made in the Xuande era (1426–35). The artist here added a Xuande mark to its bottom as an attempt to imitate the legendary bronzes.
Artwork Details
- 明 銅龍鳳海獸紋方爐
- Title: Incense burner with dragon, phoenix, and sea creatures
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); D. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Elizabeth V. Cockcroft, by exchange, 2006
- Object Number: 2006.448a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
China
early 15th century
China
late 7th–early 8th century
China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Central Asia)
8th century
China
dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
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