#24 of 24 Swirl/Slag Glass Puzzle-Chain Ritual Censer
Name/Title
#24 of 24 Swirl/Slag Glass Puzzle-Chain Ritual CenserEntry/Object ID
GL3824Description
Item 24 of 24, part of a specialized Chinese Zodiac / Auspicious Animals set. The Yin and Yang design duality is built into this specific 24-piece collection. This piece is a ritual censer (incense burner). In Asian decorative arts, this specific form is modeled after ancient imperial bronze tripod censers (ding) and ceremonial hanging vessels. The visual breakdown of its functional design includes: The central swirling bulbous vessel rests on tripod glass legs to protect tabletops from heat when incense is burned inside. Two sweeping, arched glass curves that stretch upward mimic traditional imperial handles used to carry or lift the vessel. The dangling multi-link chains are entirely glass loops intertwined while molten. In Chinese glass and jade carving, this is known as a "puzzle chain" or lianhuan technique. It is a traditional showcase of master-level technique, demonstrating that the entire object was sculpted from a single continuous gather of glass. The small teardrop-shaped objects dangling from the ends of the chains represent traditional auspicious temple bells. In Feng Shui and Asian folklore, hanging bells or chimes are integrated into ritual vessels to clear negative energy, ward off evil spirits, and invite wealth or good fortune into a space.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Marbled Slag GlassSubject
CenserCategory
Chinese Glass Art