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Qingshan Temple Pagoda: Incense Burner
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Qingshan Temple Pagoda: Incense Burner
CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi'an; Tang dynasty (618–907); Bronze; H: 13 cm; Lintong Museum, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
This incense burner was recovered from the underground palace beneath the Qingshan Temple Pagoda in 1985. It measures 13 cm in both height and diameter. The lid is in the shape of an inverted bowl and has trefoil openings to allow the smoke to disperse. The round bowl has a flat bottom, surrounding which are 12 mythical creatures' heads; six of them extend to form the legs and paws, while the other six hold rings in their mouths. Connected to these rings are larger rings from which the burner can be suspended. The mythical creatures have upright ears, fierce eyes, and wrathful appearances. |
