Neungsanri: Incense Burner with Dragon and Phoenix

SOUTH KOREA, North Chungcheong, Buyeo; Baekje period

This incense burner was recovered from a temple site at Neungsanri in Buyeo. A fine example of metalwork from the Baekje period, it was listed as National Treasure No. 287 in 1996.
The incense burner consists of a base, bowl, lid, and finial. The base is in the form of a rampant dragon, while the bowl consists of upright lotus petals, upon which there are depictions of 26 kinds of animals, birds, and fish.
The lid features 23 mountains in layers standing among trees, rivers, and lakes. Within the mountainous terrain, there are five images of the Medicine Buddha, 39 animals including dragons, phoenixes, tigers, and deer, as well as 18 human figures. The lid has five holes, which allow for the effective diffusion of incense smoke. The finial is in the form of a proud phoenix, standing with its tail upright and a jewel in its mouth.