Incense Burner (Xianglu)

Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 9)

China
probably from Hunan province

This stemmed cup and domed, openwork cover, pierced with geometric patterns, is distinctive to Han ceramics of south-central China. Its model was probably an incense burner of bronze, cast with a perforated lid for the release of fragrant smoke.

Status: On View, Gallery 133
Department: Arts of Asia

Title: Incense Burner (Xianglu)
Place: China (Object made in)
Date: 206 BCE–9 CE
Medium: Gray earthenware with polychrome painting and openwork decoration
Dimensions: 14.3 × 14.4 cm (5 5/8 × 5 11/16 in.); Diam.: 14.4 cm (5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line: Bequest of Russell Tyson
Reference Number: 1964.728a-b
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