Among the three types of illustrated manuals, only the Xuande bronze furnace has a clearly defined and strictly followed set of rules and regulations passed down through generations.

Although imitated throughout history, its name remains unchanged. The Xuande bronze furnace is unique in its display, appreciation, and the refinement of its smelting process.

Since ancient times, it has been known as the foremost item in a scholar's study. Emperors, officials, scholars, and refined gentlemen all valued it and placed it on their desks. It has experienced five periods of high popularity, surpassing other objects in its literary significance, and its value is comparable to gold, making it worthy of being a national treasure. Only the Xuande bronze furnace holds this distinction.

—— Liu Xirong

Before the Yuan Dynasty, bronze objects were made of bronze.

During the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, Siam (present-day Thailand) presented tens of thousands of catties of wind-milled copper (refined brass). Emperor Xuande ordered the remaking of ritual vessels, imitating the shapes and styles from classics such as "Xuanhe Bogutu" (commissioned by Emperor Huizong of Song, a specialized book on bronze) and "Kaogu Tu", as well as those from the inner palace's collection of Song and Yuan Dynasty famous kilns. All designs had to be presented to Emperor Xuanzong for review. After selection, sample castings were made for his inspection; only after his approval could mass production begin. Legend has it that the craftsmen said that the tribute copper had to be smelted six times; each smelting made the copper purer and finer, but also consumed material. After hearing this, Xuanzong said six times was not enough, it should be twelve times, sparing no expense, but seeking only the finest quality. In the third year of Xuande, the furnace was made. 3000 Only then was the Xuande furnace obtained.

The Xuande furnace underwent "Ten Difficulties"—ten times of smelting and casting, and few remain to this day, leading to much debate about what constitutes a true Xuande furnace.

The Xuande furnace is renowned and has been widely imitated since its creation. Imitations from the middle and late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty are collectively referred to as Xuande furnaces. It is revered as the foremost item in a scholar's study.

The most exquisite aspect of the Xuande furnace is its color; its color is internally fused, emitting a strange light from its subdued tones. Even after being burned in a fire for a long time, the colors of the Xuande furnace become brilliantly varied. Even if it remains in mud, after wiping away the mud, it appears as before.

Today, with the continuous development of smelting technology, through continuous research and innovation, we are re-creating the Xuande furnace, reviving this traditional cultural treasure.

Keywords:

Xuande Censer,Incense burner,Copper crafts,Huaxia Bronze Art

Rare Characters in the Museum - Series One

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