 |
||
    |
||
    
|
29. FINE PARCEL-GILT BRONZE LIAN-SHAPED CENSER
|
The cylindrical sides are cast with an elaborate low relief trellis-ground between silver-inlaid key fret borders, supported by three cloud-shaped feet. Around the body, four clusters of gilt flowering peony, narcissus, hydrangea and lotus are arranged in high relief, representing flowers of the four seasons. Hu Wenming is the acknowledged master metalworker of the late Ming period. A number of bronze censers of the present form as well as gui-shape with handles (see catalogue no. 27) were made in this style. Beaten copper yielded much finer results than bronze in decorative detail enabling the use of complex diaper or trellis grounds and variegated relief. A censer also decorated with the flowers of the four seasons is published in Oriental Works of Art, Gerald Hawthorne Ltd., London, 1998, catalogue no. 30. |
