Miniature incense burner, Jun ware 1100 - 1300

This small, three-legged incense burner is a beautiful example of Jun ware, a type of Chinese pottery produced during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Characterized by its distinctive blue-green glaze with purplish-brown streaks, the Jun ware incense burner was likely used in a domestic setting for burning incense, a common practice in ancient China for religious and medicinal purposes. The delicate size and intricate glaze make this piece a unique and charming addition to the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.