The “I Ching” or “Book of Changes” is a book of divination which is believed to be one of the very oldest of Chinese texts. It has been used by the Chinese for some three thousand years in order to predict the future and has in recent years also enjoyed widespread popularity in the West. In the I Ching two three-line trigrams are combined to make a hexagram. There are eight trigrams, each named for a specific attribute, and sixty-four hexagrams. The solid line represents yang, the masculine, creative principle. The open line represents yin, the feminine, receptive principle. These principles are also represented in a common circular symbol known in the West as the yin-yang diagram. The shape of the yin and yang sections of the symbol provides a sense of the continual movement of these two energies, yin to yang and yang to yin, causing everything in life to happen.

Of the more esoteric devices developed by the Chinese to measure time, perhaps the most arcane are these aromatic incense clocks, which “told time” by the scents they emitted at designated periods. First, wood ash was tamped firmly in the tray. Then the seal was placed over the ash. A depression was made in the ash base along the entire length of the seal’s track, into which special powdered incense was carefully poured. When the seal was lifted, the incense remained in the track. The incense was then lighted and burned continuously for 24 hours. (For similar examples, see “The Trail of Time,” a book by Silvio A. Bedini.) The intricate and refined beauty of these utilitarian objects made incense clocks an important accoutrement in the scholar’s study.

Paktong itself has a fascinating history. Centuries before nickel was isolated in the west, the Chinese had produced an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel which had the lustrous sheen and color tone of silver, was appreciably harder than silver, and did not tarnish in use. Many examples of this alloy have a particularly pleasing color which is silver bright but possesses what has been termed a “soul of gold.” (For additional information about paktong, see our article in “Arts of Asia,” Nov/Dec. 1992.)

PROVENANCE: From a private collection, this incense clock was purchased in the mid-1970's in Hong Kong when the Chinese government was releasing confiscated items from their warehouses. Incense clocks have become increasingly difficult to find on today’s market.

CONDITION is excellent, all original and intact. Normal wear and tarnish consistent with age and usage. We have not polished it and will leave that decision up to the buyer.

DIMENSIONS: 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) square, 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) high.