Demonstration of the replicated gilded musical motif silver incense burner.

With a lid, straight mouth, deep body, flat base, and ring foot. The lid features upright edges adorned with a continuous double-square motif of trailing vines along the rim. The lid surface is highly convex, with engraved wave patterns and lotus petal designs along the edge. At the center stands a jewel-shaped knob, beneath which is a circle of lotus petals. Around the base of the knob are engraved two mandarin ducks and a flying bird, all surrounded by trailing vines. The inner wall of the body curves inward, and the mouth rim is decorated with a band of trailing vines. The body wall is carved with scenes of musicians playing musical instruments and dancing, set against a backdrop of trailing vines. The base is encircled by a row of lotus petals, and the ring foot flares outward in a trumpet shape. The upper part of the foot features a rounded ridge, upon which four flattened, circular floral motifs are delicately engraved. The lower part of the foot is adorned with curled lotus leaves, their veins clearly defined.

The Xiangbaozi, also known as Baozi, was a vessel used during the Tang Dynasty to hold incense. In Dunhuang manuscripts and murals, the Xiangbaozi often appeared in conjunction with incense burners, serving as an essential component of incense offerings. According to historical records, the Xiangbaozi was made from various materials, including metal and wood. Among the artifacts unearthed at Famen Temple, there are also physical examples of Xiangbaozi, further confirming their function as containers for incense.

As evidenced by the Dunhuang murals and artifacts unearthed from the Famen Temple, incense burners and related ritual implements during the Tang Dynasty exhibited a rich variety of forms. These incense burners ranged from standalone pieces to sets paired with incense containers, and even “integrated incense burners” cast directly onto the handles of long-handled incense burners. The evolution of these implements reflects both the widespread popularity of incense offerings in the Tang Dynasty and the exceptional craftsmanship of the period.

Incense offerings are not only practical implements used in Buddhist rituals; they also carry profound cultural significance. They exemplify the superb craftsmanship of Tang Dynasty artisans, reflect the fusion of Buddhist culture with indigenous traditions, and serve as invaluable physical evidence for studying religion, art, and social life during the Tang Dynasty.