Detail of the Tripod Incense Burner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2023

Title: Tripod incense burner

Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)

Culture: China

Medium: Cloisonné enamel, gilt bronze

Dimensions: H. to knob 15 3/8 in. (39.1 cm); W. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm); Diam. of rim 8 in. (21.9 cm)

Classification: Cloisonné

Credit Line: Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881

Accession Number: 81.1.625a, b

Ancient ritual bronzes often served as prototypes for later metalwork, particularly those with ritual or ceremonial functions. The shape of this piece is based on an archaic tripod vessel known as a ding, which was used for holding or serving food and other offerings; however, this object functioned as an incense burner. The six-character mark on the raised gilt-bronze plaque identifies that it was from the imperial workshop in Beijing.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/40621