Censer with elephant-shaped handles 1644 - 1911

This censer, now held at the Met, was cast in China from bronze by an unknown maker. The smooth, patinated surface speaks to the properties of bronze. Copper alloys melt and flow easily, capturing fine details, such as the elephant-shaped handles. The act of bronze casting is one steeped in history, involving a labor-intensive process. It begins with creating a mold, often through the lost-wax technique. Molten bronze is poured in, cooled, and then the mold broken away to reveal the final form. The bronze caster's work was highly skilled, requiring a deep understanding of the material and precise timing. Bronze objects, like this censer, were not only functional but also conveyed status and cultural significance. Appreciating the censer involves understanding the full process and the many hands involved. It challenges the boundaries of art, craft, and industrial production.