Lot 64
64
THREE BRONZE INCENSE TOOL VASES

Details
THREE BRONZE INCENSE TOOL VASES
MING DYNASTY

Of various sizes and of pear shape, each cast on the lower body with two shaped cartouches containing Arabic inscriptions reserved on a ring-matte ground, one vase with a pair of handles and one with a band of foliate scroll below the mouth rim; together with a bronze incense spade, the cartouche-shaped head also cast with Arabic characters, the handle cast in imitation of bamboo--vases 5 7/8 to 7 5/8in. (14.9 to 19.4cm.) high; spade 9 3/4in. (24.8cm.) long (4)

Lot Essay

Similar bronze vases with Arabic inscriptions were included in the exhibition, Emperor, Scholar, Artisan, Monk, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1984, Catalogue no. 120. For a discussion of incense tool vases and incense spades see, Tsang and Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, nos. 229 and 23