Incense Cylinder, early 18th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bambooexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.49.4a-c
On View in Gallery 218expand_more
Carved from bamboo, this perforated cylinder held sticks of aromatic wood and functioned as an incense burner or perfumer. It displays a delicately carved group of literati with attendants in a pine and bamboo grove listening to qin music. Although bamboo and wood had been used in China since antiquity for functional items, their use for finely crafted decorative objects began only in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The plant's tremendous strength and ability to bend without breaking was seen as virtuous and likened to the disciplined character and integrity of men and women. With its Confucian overtones and subtle, monochromatic color, bamboo became a favored material for literati accoutrements during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Details
- Title
- Incense Cylinder
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.49.4a-c
- 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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