Hand warmer
Hand warmers, also known as sleeve censers (xiulu), were luxurious personal accessories that provided welcome warmth through cold winters. The objects contained glowing pieces of charcoal embedded in ash. This example was designed so that when incense was added, a pleasant fragrance would waft from the openwork lid. The mark on the base relates the elegant work to Zhang Mingqi, the most outstanding maker of xiulu in his time and beyond.
Artwork Details
- 清 張鳴岐款暖手爐
- Title: Hand warmer
- Artist: Attributed to Zhang Mingqi (Chinese, act. 17th century)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Diam. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.266a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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1368–1644
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ca. first quarter 10th century
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second half 15th century
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late 16th–early 17th century
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