Personal ethics and aesthetics

Odours and occasion

A further refinement would be the matching of incense with particular holders. This could complement the design of an interior or garden, the personality of an owner, or the event at which the incense was burned. Sophisticated pairings might occur with sacred or secular performances, such as the accompaniment of music. A particular pleasure was to place incense in antique ceramic vessels or those that recalled ancient forms. In doing this incense was a link to deep cultural rituals and sentiments.
	Incense holder Taiwanese, glass Contemporary Private collection	Incense holder Chinese, brass Qing period (1644-1911) Private collection

	Incense and equipment Various periods Collection of CHANG Tsong-zung	Incense holder Chinese, ceramic Ming period (1368-1644) Private collection