Boshan Xianglu
Western Han, c 200 BC
This incense burner, about the size of a large fist, depicts a world of creatures, plants, paths, and immortals, which, when activated, becomes enshrouded in mist-vapors as if it is a high mountain. I visit "Bo" whenever I visit the Art Institute in Chicago. Still, after more than 2,000 years, the small lead-glazed earthenware jar can project an amazing 3-D landscape almost moving, almost burning again for us!
The disk behind Bo is a mirror.
