Incense burner with dragon, phoenix, and sea creatures
Mythical creatures weave in and out of the waves on the surface of this incense burner. Combining the techniques of openwork and relief, the lid features a dragon and phoenix soaring among the clouds. In the late Ming dynasty, connoisseurs praised the exquisite imperial bronzes cast in the Xuande era (1426–35). The artist added a Xuande mark to the bottom of this censer in an attempt to imitate these renowned bronzes.
Artwork Details
- 明晚期 宣德款銅龍鳳海獸紋方爐
- 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
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Chinese
1368–1644
China
early 15th century
Chinese
late 16th–early 17th century
China
16th–17th century
China
12th–13th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.