Incense holder with scholars in a landscape

Zhu Sansong

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The ubiquitous motif of scholars in the midst of a remote landscape is elegantly carved on the surface of this incense holder. The openwork decoration facilitates the release of fragrance from incense sticks burning inside.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art