Chinese Lu or Incense Burner

Tapered little block with one blue tuft painted on its face and a rough top.

This porcelain lu or incense burner is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. Incense burners in China are generally associated with offerings to ancestors and deities, and with the quiet rituals of reading, meditation and welcoming guests. Tall, four-sided shape that narrows slightly toward the top, in glossy pale glaze with a clear blue mark that looks like a small plant sprig. The flat top has a few brown stains and a rough patch, and the edges are slightly worn. It is 2 inches wide, 2 deep and 3 high.

Sparse decoration, delivered with a very steady hand.