Censer
618-960 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Silver objects were not as highly coveted in China as in other ancient civilizations such as the Roman or the Parthian, but they became important luxury items for emperors and high-ranking officials during the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). By the beginning of the 7th century large quantities of silver pieces with exotic shapes and styles were imported along the Silk Road from Iran and Central Asia to China. During the same period Chinese craftsmen also acquired new manufacturing techniques from Central Asian silversmiths who had settled in Chinese urban centres beginning in the mid 7th century.
This censer consists of two hemispherical shells which are locked together by a bayonet fitting to form a sphere. A series of rings inside one another were attached to one half to ensure that the central saucer remained upright even when the incense burner was rolled around. This device was invented by the Chinese in about the 2nd century and probably derived from the armillary spheres used by astronomers.
This censer consists of two hemispherical shells which are locked together by a bayonet fitting to form a sphere. A series of rings inside one another were attached to one half to ensure that the central saucer remained upright even when the incense burner was rolled around. This device was invented by the Chinese in about the 2nd century and probably derived from the armillary spheres used by astronomers.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Chased silver |
Brief description | Censer, chased silver, Tang dynasty (618-960) |
Physical description | Spherical censer of chased silver and openwork with floral scroll designs. The sphere is hinged at the half and is fastned with a bayonet fitting. Inside are rings that act as a gimbal to ensure the hemispherical bowl remains upright. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Silver objects were not as highly coveted in China as in other ancient civilizations such as the Roman or the Parthian, but they became important luxury items for emperors and high-ranking officials during the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). By the beginning of the 7th century large quantities of silver pieces with exotic shapes and styles were imported along the Silk Road from Iran and Central Asia to China. During the same period Chinese craftsmen also acquired new manufacturing techniques from Central Asian silversmiths who had settled in Chinese urban centres beginning in the mid 7th century. This censer consists of two hemispherical shells which are locked together by a bayonet fitting to form a sphere. A series of rings inside one another were attached to one half to ensure that the central saucer remained upright even when the incense burner was rolled around. This device was invented by the Chinese in about the 2nd century and probably derived from the armillary spheres used by astronomers. |
Bibliographic reference | Whitfield, Susan. The Silk Road: Trade, Travel, War and Faith. London: The British Library, 2004, p. 275, pl. 231. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.98-1938 |
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Record created | February 29, 2004 |
Record URL |
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