Rare Ming Dynasty incense burner discovered in Hebei

A kiosk-like incense burner dating back 469 years has been found in north China's Hebei Province, local authorities said Tuesday.

A villager found the 2.3-meter-tall burner in an abandoned yard in Cixian County.

The stone burner, weighing two tonnes, has a square pedestal with each side nearly one meter in length. Its structure consists of five removable layers. Patterns including clouds and flying dragons are carved on the burner.

An inscription on the burner shows that it was built in 1549 during the Ming Dynasty, according to archaeologists.

Cultural heritage experts said that the rare heavy-stone incense burner could help archaeologists understand the ancient religious culture, carvings and civil custom in south Hebei.

The burner has been moved to a culture relics management office for protection.