Bronze Tripod Censer with Strap Handles

For many centuries, people in China have burned incense in shallow censers such as this, placed within a shrine or atop a home altar. An essential element of ritual prayer, incense is burned to measure the duration of the ritual and as a form of offering to one's ancestors or religious deities. This unique bronze censer was made in the early 20th century, but its traditional form hearkens back to ancient vessels buried in the tombs of Zhou dynasty kings.