An important chapter in the later history of Chinese incense clocks was contributed by a reticent 19th century Buddhist scholar named Ting Yun (1800-1879). Evidence suggests that he was personally responsible for what may have constituted a revival in China of the incense clock in the second half of the 19th century. Ting Yun devoted himself to the pursuit of scholarly activities and developed a preoccupation with incense clocks. He sought out and studied surviving examples and researched the history of incense. He constructed examples of the incense clocks he designed in bronze, copper, brass and paktong. In 1878 he began to render his incense clock designs into drawings for the purpose of recording them in published form. The memorial volume of these woodblock print drawings, entitled “Hsiang lu t’u p’u,” was published posthumously. This jui scepter incense clock is identical to a Ting Yun drawing from that memorial volume.

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

DIMENSIONS: 9 5/8” (24.5 cm) long, 1 ½” (4 cm) high.