Accession Number1973/2.30
TitleLid to Bo Shan Lu Censor
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date206 BCE-25 CEMedium & Supportash glaze on stonewareDimensions 3 1/4 in x 4 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in (8.25 cm x 12.07 cm x 12.07 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer CollectionSubject matterCover or lid to a boshan lu (博山炉) (Daoist "mountain of immortality) shaped incense burner. It is similar to examples casted in bronze from the Zhou through Tang dynasties. Burning incense was a common practice during the Han dynasty to expel evil spirits. Ceramic incense burners are primarily found in tombs in Henan province and date to the late Western Han dynasty.
Physical DescriptionA cover or lid in the form of a pointed cone, resembling a mountain with a pointed top on a circular base. The sides are carved and incised in striated triangular points, and there are eight triangular shaped peircings around the top. It is covered in an olive green glaze, and there is loss to side.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object Typeincense burnerCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
ash glaze
ceramic (material)
covers
grave goods
incense burners
mountains
stoneware (pottery)