Archaistic Tripod Censer with Cover, Hu Wenming (Chinese, active c.1572–1620), Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573–1620). Bronze with gold and silver inlay, wood, and agate, 18.8 x 12.7 cm; height with cover and finial: 821 cm; height without cover and finial: 18.8 cm; width across handles: 12.7 cm; diameter of mouth: 12.7 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Robert E. Kresko, 7:2005a,b.

The features of the large monster mask on the body of this incense burner are enhanced with fine inlays of gold and silver. These elements are related to the erroneous Ming dynasty belief that ancient bronzes were set with precious metals. Although the shape of this vessel resembles ancient tripods, the decorative inlays, fine wood cover, and semiprecious agate knob reveal the highly ornamental style of the late Ming dynasty.