Agarwood was greatly appreciated by the court, which led to the development of various methods for its use. This part of the exhibit features precious examples of agarwood in the Museum collection to demonstrate how the court used this rare natural resource in everyday life. The pure fragrance of agarwood made it ideal for collecting, wearing, and burning as incense for appreciation, hence the division into three sections entitled "Collection on Display," "Adorning the Body," and "Utensils for Appreciation."
Collecting and Display
The imperial court in China often chose agarwood to carve various sculptures. Large carvings are particularly rare, and those on display were meticulously carved by court craftsmen mostly for display at the Qianqing Palace.
Yang Weizhan, 1741, Qing dynasty
Agarwood carving of the Nine Elders of Xiangshan
- H: 18 cm, L: 12 cm, W: 9 cm
Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Carved agarwood gong vessel with dragon-and-phoenix decoration
- Total H: 26.5 cm
Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Carved agarwood vase with peony decoration
- H: 29.2 cm
Adorning the Body
The use of agarwood at the court was very popular and all sorts of refined personal adornments were made from it, including bracelets, court beads, hair ornaments, and pendants, demonstrating a special love of agarwood.
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Carved agarwood scent pendant with characters for "All as You Wish"
- H: 1 cm, L: 6 cm, W: 6.5 cm
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Carved agarwood scent pendant with symbols of blessing
- H: 1.2 cm, L: 6.6 cm, W: 4.2 cm
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Carved openwork scent container in green jade
- D: 8.3 cm, H: 3.1 cm
Utensils for Appreciation
At the court three kinds of vessels (burners, vases, and containers) were produced in great numbers for incense. Burners were used for igniting incense and containers for storing it. In the vases were placed small shovels and picks to deal with the ashes. These three types of vessels made of different materials, such as jade, porcelain, bronze, and enamelware, demonstrate the skills of their respective craftsmen. Burning incense also allowed for the appreciation of its changing forms.
Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Pale green jade incense set with vertical linear decoration
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Pale green jade burner with vertical linear decoration
- H: 8.9 cm, D: 12.2 cm
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Small pale green jade vase with vertical linear decoration
- H: 10.5 cm, L: 2.2 cm, W: 4.5 cm
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Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Small pale green jade vase with vertical linear decoration
- H: 2.7 cm, D: 5.93 cm
Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Painted enamel incense set with lotus decoration on a yellow background (with box)
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Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Painted enamel censer with lotus decoration on a yellow background
- H: 5.8 cm, D: 7.7 cm；H: 12.5cm, L: 20 cm, W: 12.7 cm
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Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Painted enamel vase with lotus decoration on a yellow background
- H: 9.2 cm, D: 1.7 cm
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Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty
Painted enamel container with lotus decoration on a yellow background
- H: 2.8 cm, D: 5.2 cm