Blue Glazed Tripod Censer

c. 1900

$428

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Dimensions

W: 4.0" D: 4.25" H: 4.75"

Materials

Ceramic
Glaze

Purchase Quantity

Collection #

CESB062

Estimated Shipping

$20

Censers have been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture as an element of prayer, ritual, and funerary rites. Placed within a shrine and filled with burning incense, the censer issues fragrant smoke that the duration of the ritual and acts as an offering to one's ancestors or religious deities. This round ceramic incense burner has a classic tripod form with a round body, square strap handles, and three tripod legs, molded to resemble mythical fu lion dogs. The censer is further elevated by a six-sided base and coated in a deep blue exterior glaze.

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Blue & White Porcelain

Soon after its development in the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD), blue-and-white underglaze porcelain became a favorite of the imperial court. Its broad appeal rapidly extended beyond China’s borders, becoming a lucrative export commodity highly sought after in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Using cobalt imported from Western Asia, ceramic artists ground the mineral into a vibrant blue pigment that was then painted directly on a porcelain base, coated with clear glaze, and fired. This underglaze technique brought with it a shift in focus from the overall shape of a vessel to the skill and artistry traceable in its painted decoration.

Transcending time and taste, blue-and-white porcelain continues to be appreciated around the world for the intricate brushwork and brilliant blue color.