As incense is an important votive offering made to deities and one’s ancestors who are being honored, venerated and showed deference as well as asked for their aid in fulfilling wishes, incense burners symbolize purification, prayer, reverence and respect. Fragrant smoke literally rises upward to the sacred, celestial dwellings in the heavens and informs ancestors and the gods that devotees are honoring them. Chinese temple altars (wuwong) usually have a five-piece ceramic or metal altar, or garniture set centered with an incense burner for joss sticks and a vase and candlestick on each side. For home prayers, a single, simple burner, vase and candle holder is suitable, and followers of other religions, especially Hinduism, burn incense, present flowers and or light oil lamps or candles as important elements to accompany their daily prayers called puja. Since Chinese lacquer naturally darkens over time the darkening process is quicker because of the smoke from incense and candles as can be seen in wood images placed there.
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This stoneware glazed garden stool was used by a wealthy family reflected in its complex designs, auspicious symbols and its use of so much cobalt blue, a highly prized and expensive mineral paint color normally used sparingly. The pierced side to side circles running through the inside from side to side and the pierced design…
This Chinese Republic Period delicate porcelain figurine holds a rose at her heart in her right snow white hand, her left arm covered by her shawl resting on a waist-high decorative vase with an opening to hold incense (joss) sticks. Her shawl drapes over her shoulders and lower garment with floral motifs extending to the beaded belt at her waist. The sweet facial expression with slightly smiling bowed lips is framed by her piled hair looped in a chignon over each ear. Given her luxurious garments and accessories, she is an aristocratic woman. The rose was often used on porcelains during this period, representing eternal spring.
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