Tripod incense burner

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This incense burner is an exquisite example of a literati bronze from the Yuan dynasty. In its simple but elegant form, this tripod creatively reinterprets archaic bronze prototypes. The Yuan bronze transforms the austere form and complex décor of ancient food vessels into a simpler, more modestly proportioned incense burner that evokes rather than replicates ancient prototypes. Likewise, the band of stylized dragons that encircles the vessel belly derives from antique models but is cast in low relief, which greatly enhances the tactile pleasure of handling such a piece.

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