元 至正銘八卦獸面紋三足銅爐|Incense burner

Unknown

dated 1346 · Bronze · Asian Art

The inscription encircling this censer’s lower belly indicates that it was from a specific order of a Daoist householder from Xiangxiang (now Hunan Province). The work loosely emulates the form of ancient bronze tripods and their ornamental bands of animal masks. Its underside, in contrast, has a finely cast medallion composed of contemporary patterns, including floral scrolls and lotus petals. Within one of the rings are the eight trigrams, which are widely used in Daoist divination.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1346

Medium

Bronze

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2016