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Chinese Enameled Paktong Incense Clock browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese: Pre 1900: item # 458422 Please refer to our stock # 3-160 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book SOLD |
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| This mid-19th century three-footed Chinese paktong incense seal in unusual hexagonal form is engraved and decorated with enameling or niello. The three tiers are trimmed with copper, and the cover is perforated with “broken ice” and prunus blossom pattern surrounded by a cutout endless knot design. The top compartment has an interior recessed tray to hold the paktong incense seal template and damper. Both of the utensils are brass. The three tiers are engraved on all sides with floral motifs which were decorated with blue enamel. The three feet have openwork designs. 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.) Condition of the device itself is excellent, consistent with age and usage. The handle of the tiny shovel is missing. Dimensions: 3 ˝” high, 3” diameter. | |||||||||||||||
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