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Censer in Form of a Sparrow Atop a Rice Rick

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This object is a censer in the form of a rice stack with a sparrow on top. The censer is made of metal and has a bulbous body resembling a rice stack. The body is covered in long, thin, overlapping metal scales. The scales are arranged in horizontal rows. The censer has three short legs. The top of the censer is shaped like a flared lotus petal. A metal sparrow sits on top of the censer, facing left. The sparrow is depicted with its wings folded against its body and one leg tucked under its body. The background is plain and light-colored.

Artwork details

Date:
1700
Medium:
Stoneware covered with glaze (Bizen ware)
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
457 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette