I opened my little wicker basket that holds an incense holder and incense and other trinkets with different memories. Mostly the lid to this basket stays closed. But I have decided to open it. Keiko brought me back to it through her blog.
Yesterday I began reading an incense book. It's not long, but it has also gotten me to begin thinking more about how important scent has been in my life and how important it has been to other cultures. I am not finished with the book and am still waiting for a few more books to arrive that will further inspire and teach me.
Today, I was was in deep cleaning mode and started removing clutter that I have been collecting. I moved all the stacks of books that lined my bed and I was able to dance! There is not a lot of free space in my studio, so I am slowly trying to re- imagine my space.
I was inspired to pull my incense burner out and burn a stick of sandalwood in the spirit of new beginnings. It didn't burn strong and it was subtle. The incense is made in India as well as the metal candle plate that the burner is resting on.
This burner belonged to either my brother or my mother, but I don't know which one. Somehow I claimed it, and no one seemed to miss it. I flipped it over today and learned that it is actually made in Japan.
The little red face reminds me of a fox when I look closely at it. I'm not exactly sure what it is though.
I'm so happy that I still have this incense holder. It holds a special memory for me, not only because I used it a great deal long ago, but because I had forgotten that it has a connection to my family home, almost as though it was handed down to me. It looks worn and has a little chip on the lid. It must have fallen.
After today, I may put the incense holder back and try to find a new one, that way I won't have to worry about wear and tear on this one.
4 comments:
Rebb,
It seems a replica of an ancient Chinese kanae (three legged bronze vessels).
I listed a few Japanese site below, but I've see photos and video of the China's treasures from Yin dynasty. They are magnificent! And they are much much better than the ones you see below. If I find such a site, I'll let you know. But I dooubt it.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%BC%8E#.E8.91.97.E5.90.8D.E3.81.AA.E9.BC.8E
http://www.cpcjapan.com/china/bunkazai/seidouki/seidouki.html
About pink paint on your incense holder, someone must have painted it. That cannot be a Japanese's idea. And the face like shape is maybe a sheep, I thought.
Keiko, How interesting that it could be a replica of an ancient Chinese kanae. Thank you for the sites. I was able to access the first one and the photo was stunning. It is such a large piece. The second link had an error, so the page was blank.
I wonder if it was painted by my brother or if in the import process, they requested that they be painted for sale in the U.S. Japanese would usually not put paint and leave it natural? See, I learn something new all the time. Yes, maybe a sheep.
Rebb,
I didn't know Shang Dynasty, and I learned that it was the same as Yin dynasty. Here is one more site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shang_Dynasty
Someday, I hope to travel to China and Taiwan and see those kanae (or tei)in their national museums.
About sheep, the ancient Chinese had a sheep sacrifice for their ceremonies.
Post a Comment