Incense burner, cast bronze
The mark of the Ming emperor Zhengde on the base of this vessel shows that it was made during his reign (1506-1521).
The emperor was known for his benign attitude toward Islam. The Arabic inscription along the outside of the vessel is one of several variants of the Islamic profession of faith:
“The best profession of faith is / there is no god but God / Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
The emperor was known for his benign attitude toward Islam. The Arabic inscription along the outside of the vessel is one of several variants of the Islamic profession of faith:
“The best profession of faith is / there is no god but God / Muhammad is the messenger of God.”