Chinese ceramic, soapstone, silver, agate and other censers (incense burners)

Censers, also known as incense burners, have a long history in China, dating back to ancient times. They were used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, medicinal treatments, and as a means of purifying the air.

In ancient China, censers were used in religious rituals and ceremonies, particularly in Taoist and Buddhist temples. They were also used in imperial palaces and government buildings, where they were used to purify the air and to ward off evil spirits. Censers were often made of bronze, and were decorated with intricate designs and motifs, such as dragons, phoenixes, and other symbols of power and authority.

During the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), censers were used in traditional Chinese medicine as a way to burn herbal mixtures to treat illnesses. Censers were also used in the home as part of everyday life, where they were used to purify the air and more... to create a pleasant aroma.

During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the production of censers reached its peak, with many different types of censers being produced, including those made of bronze, ceramic, and porcelain. Censers produced during this time were often highly decorative and were designed to be used as decorative objects as well as functional ones.

In the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), censers were still produced and used, but their popularity and production decreased, as the traditional culture and customs were suppressed by the ruling Manchu dynasty. Today, Chinese censers are still produced and used, but primarily for decorative and cultural purposes.

 The Japanese equivalent is known as a koro. less...