Artwork Page for Incense Burner

Details / Information for Incense Burner

Incense Burner

late 1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period

(1336–92)
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Medium
black lacquer on wood with decoration in maki-e; metal rims; bronze lid
Measurements
Overall: 7.7 x 10.8 cm (3 1/16 x 4 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1960.195.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This container's repeated, undulating, rounded sides evoke waves over which the articulated plovers sweep. The bronze cover (probably a later addition) mimics the design of a fishing weir. Overall, the container brings to mind the seashore. The earthy quality of the lacquered surface demonstrates the interaction between a man-made pattern (the plovers) and the somewhat unexpected surface of a natural material such as wood.
A dark brown lacquer and wood incense burner is shaped like a six-petaled flower with a rounded, lobed body. Its surface displays a network of fine cracks and gold-toned birds with patterned wings. A reddish-brown metal rim follows the scalloped top edge, capping the six outward-curving sections. The birds, rendered in thin outlines, appear to fly across the dark background toward the right.

Incense Burner

late 1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)

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