Tongdosa Temple: Incense Burner with Silver Inlay

SOUTH KOREA, South Gyeongsang, Yangsan; Goryeo dynasty

Listed as Treasure No. 334 in 1963, this incense burner consists of two parts: the base and stem, and the bowl. Around the base, there is a scroll leaf pattern, and the foot of the stem is decorated with lotus petal and cloud patterns, with a phoenix stretching its wings above. Four round discs are riveted onto the bowl, and each is inscribed with a Sanskrit seed syllable surrounded by a cloud pattern. There is a floral pattern between the discs, and the lower part of the bowl has a ring of lotus petals with a scroll leaf pattern.
There are signs that this incense burner has been repaired. The silver-inlay technique and the exquisite decorative designs make this a magnificent example of the metalworker’s craftsmanship from the Goryeo dynasty.