Ming Dynasty · Xuande Censer and the Three Incense Utensils
Ming dynasty bronze censers reached their peak, and scholar's desk incense utensils formed a complete system.
Ming Dynasty · Xuande Censer and the Three Incense Utensils
Xuande Censer
Emperor Xuanzong had Siam wind-polished copper refined with gold, silver, and precious stones to cast censers bestowed upon officials; the patina colors included crab-shell green, sutra-paper yellow, tangli pear white, and cinnabar spots; thus "Xuande censer" became a byname for bronze incense burners.
The Three Incense Utensils
An incense burner, a chopstick vase (holding incense chopsticks and a scoop), and an incense box form a set, arranged on the scholar's desk; each has its own implement for leveling ash, handling charcoal, and taking incense.
Hand Warmer (Zhang Mingqi Style)
Hand warmers made by Zhang Mingqi of Jiaxing in the Wanli era, finely openworked and sized to fit inside a sleeve, suited both for the desk and for travel.