A bronze hand warmer and cover, Late Ming dynasty

Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1980s.

Handwarmers of this type were staple features of a scholarly life, filled with coals (and often incense) to warm the hands and demonstrate their owner’s refined tastes. In his characteristically poetic notes, Hausmann wrote of this warmer that it featured a “delightful scene of rural life,” and noted that “a relaxed, contemplative, floating journey through nature (and life) is a favorite Daoist theme; here beautifully portrayed.” Hausmann also draws attention to the “fine warm even patina”, noting that handwarmers are often cleaned.