The “Li” was originally a cooking vessel a steamer would be placed on top to boil water and steam grains such as rice.
It was produced as earthenware during the Neolithic period and as a bronze vessel during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
From the Tang Dynasty onwards, ceramic versions imitating the “Li” shape were created for use as incense burners.
It features a body that bulges outward, a short neck, and a wide, open mouth.
It stands on three large legs and is decorated with horizontal bands and sharp raised ridges that intersect those bands.
The legs are hollow, with small holes pierced to prevent cracking during firing.
In Japan, it is known as a “hakamagoshi” censer because its shape resembles a figure wearing “hakama” trousers.
A dark green celadon glaze is applied over iron-rich brown clay, featuring a fine network of white crackle-glaze patterns.
| Title | Guan ware Celadon Li-Shaped Censer With Three legs |
|---|---|
| Period | Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) |
| Culture | China |
| Area/Kiln | Guan ware |
| Dimensions | H. 4 1/16 in. ; Diam. 4 15/16 in. |
| Classification | Ceramics |
| Glaze | Celadon |
| owner | WD Collection |
| Number | 000163 |
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