Famen Temple Pagoda: Incense Burner

CHINA, Shaanxi, Baoji; Tang dynasty

Recovered from the underground palace of Famen Temple Pagoda in 1987, this incense burner was cast in 869 and consecrated by Emperor Yizong (reigned 859–873) of the Tang dynasty . Its importance is indicated by its placement right in front of the eight-layer casket containing the Buddha’s finger bone relic. It was listed in the monastery’s records as the first of the 122 artifacts dedicated by the emperor in 873.
The burner is round and decorated with cloud patterns. The lid is in the shape of an inverted bowl with a wide rim, and is decorated with five lotuses entwined with vines. The center of each lotus has a tortoise, representing longevity, with its head turning backwards and grass in its mouth. The lid is surmounted by an open lotus bud, around which are openings in the form of lotus petals to allow the smoke to disperse. Supported by five legs, the top of each is in the form of a beast heads, while the other end has paws. The legs alternate with knotted decorations attached to the burner. The bottom has a 49 character inscription in five columns, and includes the names of the craftsman, assistants, and the person who commissioned the work. The stand is in the form of a round plate supported by beasts’ legs, alternating with hanging decorations. The surface of the plate is decorated with a chased design of twin phoenixes, which are meant to represent the empress. The entire artifact weighs 6.4 kg.