Untitled

Unknown

1486 · Cast bronze · Asian Art

This censer is a creative fusion of archaic and contemporary designs. The tripod form has been modified according to Ming dynasty ideas, notably the elongated handles and pouch-shaped body. The band of stylized dragons around its belly derives from antique models, while the turbulent waves around its neck come from later ceramics. Its inscription states that it was cast in 1486 for the local Confucian temple of Zengcheng (now a suburb of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province). Inscription 知增城縣事提調官鍾綱造， 督工訓導白誠， 成化丙午歲置 Zhong Gang, mayor of Zengcheng County, commissioned and ordered Instructor Bai Cheng to install [this incense burner] in the bingwu year of the Chenghua reign.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1486

Medium

Cast bronze

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2020