Untitled

Unknown

17th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art

Hand warmers, also known as sleeve censers (xiulu), are a luxury personal accessory. Containing a glowing piece of charcoal embedded in ashes, these handheld objects provided welcome warmth in unheated rooms; when incense was added, they also imparted a pleasant fragrance, which would waft from the openwork lid. The mark on its base relates this elegant work to Zhang Mingqi, the most outstanding maker of hand warmers of his time, and beyond.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2019