Name/TitleIncense wood and wrapping cloth, Seogka Stupa, Bulguksa (三層石塔,佛國寺)

About this objectThese silk-wrapped pieces of incense wood were discovered in the relic chamber by the side of the reliquary from Seogka Stupa [EXH52] at Bulguksa in Korea. Incense was commonly used in Buddhist ceremonies and, in Korea and Japan, pieces of agarwood—also called aloeswood—were often used This is the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree after it has been infected with a mold which makes it dark and aromatic. It was prized in China, Korea and Japan, and mainly sourced from southeast Asia. However, Frankincense is also found here: this was mainly sourced from east Africa and Arabia and also used in Christian ceremonies.

Subject and Association KeywordsLiving in Belief

Subject and Association KeywordsSilk

Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Bulguksa catalogue 18

Medium and MaterialsWood, textile

MeasurementsCloth: 20 x 20 cm
Wood: 7 x 3.1 cm

Credit LineBulguksa

Object numberEXH60: Goryeo 1038, Korea NT 126-4