Tripod Censer with Design of Assorted Birds and Animal-Mask Handles, Hu Wenming (Chinese, active c.1572–1620), Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573-1620). Bronze, 14.1 x 15.6 x 13 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Spink Asian Art Collection, Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink, 74:2014.

The front of this cylindrical bronze censer is decorated with a scene of twelve birds, some standing and several in flight, all on a ring-punched background. The identical design is repeated on the other side of the vessel. The handles are animal masks resembling lion heads while the three feet are shaped like stylized clouds. There are narrow bands of leafy patterns, one at the top rim and another at the bottom.

Hu Wenming, a native of Songjiang near present-day Shanghai, is considered by scholars as one of the most renowned metalworkers in Chinese history. He is among the very few whose name and style are discussed in Chinese art-historical writing, especially in connection with metalwork of the late Ming period.