19th century

Incense Burner

The form of this jade incense burner with a pagoda top is reminiscent of Ming dynasty (1368–1644) bronze censers and later examples that took their inspiration from Shang (1500–1050 BCE) and Zhou (c. 1100–256 BCE) dynasty ritual tripod food vessels. Smoke from the burning incense wafted out from between the pierced sides of the cover to create the illusion of a pagoda amid clouds while perfuming the air.