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Incense burner
Ming dynasty, Jiajing period 1522-1566
Medium
stoneware, wood, crystal
Measurements
(a-b) 27.5 × 15.4 × 14.8 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bequest of Howard Spensley, 1939
Gallery location
Asian Art - Chinese Gallery
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
During the Ming dynasty the colour blue was associated with the heavenly court and the realm of the immortals. The fact that the roof tiles of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing are blue is testament to blue’s paramount status in the Chinese hierarchy of colours. The shape and decoration of the incense burner reference archaic designs and forms of Shang and Zhou-dynasty bronze vessels.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, south-east China, China
Inscription
incised (in Chinese characters) outside upper rim: (made in the reign of Jiajing of Ming dynasty)
Accession Number
4347.a-b-D3
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Archaic form, three lobed body and tripod feet modelled with stylized angular facing dragons on each section, short neck with extended rim with key-fret band and inscription, under turquoise blue glaze. Chipping at rim. Lid: domed, with open work 'good luck' rui symbols and crystal bamboo knob