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Collections

Unknown
Incense Burner in the Form of an Elephantcirca 1250

Not on view
Bronze animal-form vessel resembling a bear or mythical beast, with domed perforated lid on back, dark patina, and carved drapery in relief
Bronze censer in the form of a standing mythical lion-like creature, shown in three-quarter view, with open jaws, clawed feet, draped cloth over its back, and a domed removable lid on top; dark patinated surface with detailed carved modeling.

Unknown, Incense Burner in the Form of an Elephant, Kamakura period, 1185-1333, circa 1250, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Eva and Marc Stern through the 2007 Collector's Committee, photo © Museum Associates / LACMA

Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
Incense Burner in the Form of an Elephant
Place Made
Japan
Date Made
circa 1250
Period
Kamakura period (1185-1333)
Medium
Wood, metal, crystal, and pigments
Dimensions
a) Lid: 4 x 3 1/2 in. (10.16 x 8.89 cm); b) Base: 8 1/2 x 18 x 7 1/4 in. (21.59 x 45.72 x 18.4 cm); Overall: 9 x 18 x 7 1/4 in. (22.86 x 45.72 x 18.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Eva and Marc Stern through the 2007 Collector's Committee
Accession Number
M.2008.106a-b
Classification
Sculpture
Collecting Area
Japanese Art
Selected Bibliography
  • Singer, Robert T., and Kawai Masatomo, editors. The Life of Animals in Japanese Art. Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art, 2019.