Large Censer
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), dated 1673
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels (wucai)
Dimensions
17.5 × 32.1 × 32.1 cm (6 7/8 × 12 5/8 × 12 5/8 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
238801
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This incense burner has a rare inscription indicating that it was commissioned in 1673 by members of the Sun family, as an offering for the family shrine. It expresses the patron’s wishes for the household’s success under the ancestors’ blessing. On the vessel’s surface, the god of longevity flies on a crane toward the Eight Immortals, legendary figures in Daoism symbolizing both longevity and prosperity.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...