Offering Instruments

CHINA; Qing dynasty

These offering instruments, which were used during Dharma services, were created during the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. They are made of greenish white jade and consists of an incense burner, two candleholders, and two vases. They all have cloisonné bases decorated with a blue key pattern followed by a golden ring.
The incense burner measures 25.3 cm high with a diameter of 12.8 cm at the mouth, and 15.5 cm at the midsection. The lower half is in the shape of a three-legged bowl, and there are handles on either side of the neck. Around the neck, there is an alternating pattern of the swastika and longevity symbols. Four bats adorn the knob in the center of the lid.
The candleholders measure 38.5 cm high with a diameter of 12.7 cm at the base. The large bowl is engraved with cloud patterns and mythical creatures, while the small bowl is decorated with lotus petals.
Each vase is 28.5 cm high and has a mouth shaped like a trumpet and measuring 18.9 cm in diameter. The base of the vase is 9.7 cm in diameter. They are decorated with plantain leaf patterns and bats which signify longevity.