Northeast Asian History Network

Southern Wall of the Western Auxiliary Chamber - Portrait of the Deceased – Incense Burner

This is a detailed view of the incense burner depicted on the southern wall of the western auxiliary chamber in Anak Tomb No. 3. The incense burner can be seen on top of a black-lacquered tray. Its overall shape resembles an egg. Three birds that appear to be Bonghwangs(ethereal birds symbolizing good fortune) adorn the top of the lid, and the lattice-pattern mesh allows smoke to rise from the base. Similar Bonghwang decorations can be seen on the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje discovered in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo County in South Chungcheong Province. The base, which holds the incense, features alternating patterns of semicircles and dots for a neat and balanced aesthetic. The four legs of the base resemble those of an animal. This type of animal-shaped leg design was prevalent in the Han Dynasty.
Incense burners were prominent in the Han Dynasty when Daoist ideologies were wide-spread. They were typically made ​​of bronze then coated in brilliant gold. The incense burner seen in the image is a high-end craftwork likely created in a similar manner.