About this objectThis elaborate incense burner was discovered in 1993 during excavations at the site of a workshop in a Buddhist temple at Neongsanri in Buyeo County, South Korea. A stone reliquary found nearby bears an inscription ascribing its creation to the sister of King Wideok (威德王, r. 554–598) of Baekje (18 BC–AD 660).
The base is comprised of Chinese-style dragons while the lid depicts mountain peaks populated with numerous animals, possibly the Isles of the Immortals from traditional myths of China. There is a phoenix at its apex: the dragon and the phoenix represented the emperor and empress in imperial Chinese symbolism. The bowl is decorated with lotus leaves, a typical Buddhist motif.
The shape and design shows the influence of incense burners from China but with features unique to Baekje, such as the five musicians around the top.
Date Made6th century
PeriodBaekje
Subject and Association KeywordsLiving in Belief
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Buyeo National Museum Cat. 157; Kim Jeongwan nd
