清乾隆 雄黃料玻璃三足爐|Tripod censer

Unknown

mid-18th century · Glass · Asian Art

The intense marbleized orange color of this incense burner successfully imitates realgar, an arsenic sulfide mineral used in Chinese traditional medicine. This mineral has long been understood as an antidote to various venoms and as a substance with the ability to ward off evil. By evoking realgar, this vessel would have been thought to be imbued with additional power, making it a highly appreciated item on a scholar’s desk.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-18th century

Medium

Glass

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation and Barbara and William Karatz Gifts, 2020