Tripod Stand or Censer, 1403-1424
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Jingdezhen ware Carved and appliqué porcelain under clear glazeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.139.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
This extremely rare stand or censer is very similar to one excavated at the site of the early Ming imperial kilns at Ch'u-shan in Ching-te-chen, Kiangsu province and both are extraordinary examples of the magnificent "sweet white" porcelains produced during the reign of the Yongle emperor (1403-24). White ware held special significance for the emperor and it was the predominant color of Yongle court-sponsored wares. This imperial taste prompted changes in glaze and body constituents that resulted in this special type of "sweet white" ware whose sensuous surfaces are characteristically luminescent and silky.
Traditional Buddhist sculpture probably inspired this three-footed stand with its appliquéd lotus petal motifs arranged in throne-like fashion. Such powerful sculptural embellishment is rare in Yung-lo white porcelain which is more often delicately molded or incised.
Given the lotus symbolism seen here, it is likely this stand would have either supported a bowl for incense burning or served as a censer itself in an altar table decorated for Buddhist ritual.
Details
- Title
- Tripod Stand or Censer
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.139.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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