One of a Pair of Incense Burners

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Vessels from China's ancient Bronze Age cultures, such as the Shang (ca. 1600–ca. 1050 B.C.) and Zhou (ca. 1046–256 B.C.) dynasties, often served as prototypes for later metalwork, particularly those with ritual or ceremonial functions. The shape of this incense burner is based on an archaic tripod vessel known as a ding, which was used for holding or serving food and other offerings. The floral scrolls in the background are embellished by the raised gilt-bronze band at the center, which is decorated with a pattern loosely based on the taotie, a masklike design ubiquitous in the imagery of the Bronze Age.

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