Artwork Page for Incense Burner (Boshan Lu)

Details / Information for Incense Burner (Boshan Lu)

Incense Burner (Boshan Lu)

博山爐

200–100 BCE

China, Western Han dynasty

(206 BCE–8 CE)
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Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 9.9 cm (3 7/8 in.); Overall: 18.4 cm (7 1/4 in.); Lid: 7.8 x 9.1 cm (3 1/16 x 3 9/16 in.); Container: 11.3 cm (4 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1986.46.b
Public Domain
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Location
241B Arts of Ancient China
Print
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Did You Know?

Deities (appearing as hunters) and fantastic beasts roam freely among mists and clouds on this incense burner.

Description

The conical cover of this incense burner represents a miniature mountain with hunting scenes. The cover was shrouded in mist and emanated intoxicating smoke through its openwork when fragrant woods and herbs were burnt in its stem cup, transporting its beholder into an imaginative realm.
A bronze incense burner lid, aged with a green patina, is shaped like a mountain with jagged peaks. The conical form rises from a flat circular base to a tall central point. Ridges and valleys wrap around the sides, featuring cast figures and animals interspersed among the rocks. Irregular openings are cut into the metal between peaks. The glint of light highlights a textured surface of alternating smooth and rough weathered patches.

Incense Burner (Boshan Lu)

200–100 BCE

China, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–8 CE)

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