Todaiji Temple Shosoin: Hand-Held Incense Burner

JAPAN, Nara; 8th century

The gilded bowl of this incense burner stands on a base which is intricately decorated with 24 lotus petals, as well as floral patterns and semi-precious stones. A plain raised ring at the bottom curves sharply out toward the wide rim, below which is decorated with gold and silver flowers, semi-precious stones, and butterflies.
The long handle is embedded with a piece of silk fabric, also decorated with flower and butterfly designs. Along the sides there are small flowers embedded with semi-precious stones. A black and gold cord is coiled around the handle. The end of the handle bends at a right angle leading to a seated gilt silver lion with a ring in its mouth. The handle is then attached to the bowl at the rim and curves down to meet the plain ring; at the meeting point, there is an intricate floral design with semi-precious stones. A golden lion with its head turned sits on the rim.