404.
A PARTIALLY GILT BRONZE ROUND INCENSE BOX AND COVER
Ming dynasty, late 16th-17th century
3 X 4,3 cm
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 4816.
The cover of this box has a relief decoration of lingzhi funguses, a widespread symbol of longevity.
The incense box (xianghe) is one of the five implements which form the incense set, together with an incense burner, a spoon, a pair of tongs and a vase to hold the spoon and the tongs were not used.
The technique and the style of decoration of this incense box recall the work of Hu Wenming.
A box with similar style is in the Museum für Asiatische Kunst in Cologne (inv. C 2018, 372).
