Ruyi Scepter Shaped Chinese Incense Clocks on Rosewood Stands (Pair)
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Item: Pair of Incense Clocks
Make: China
Age: Early 20th Century
Construction: White Bronze, Brass, Carved Rosewood
Dimensions:
- Clocks (11 1/2" Long x 3 1/4" Wide x 1 3/4" Tall)
- Stands (12" Long x 3/12" Wide x 3 1/4" Tall)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Some patina commensurate with age and use. One clock missing small tab for lifting lid. Foot on one rosewood stand has been repaired. Please see photos.
Details: Pair of mirror-image ruyi scepter shaped incense clocks. Each clock comprises five fitted pieces. The outer case and lid are made from white bronze with very fine trim of bronze or brass. Top surface and bottom surface made of brass, the top pierced with auspicious symbols. The inside of the outer lid bears residue from burned incense. Interior lid made of heavy cast brass, the long "handle" portion pierced in a geometric design similar to the classic Greek key, the cloud-shaped "head" pierced in an interlocking geometric and scroll design. This piece has two tiny hinged copper tabs at the ends for lifting (one of these tabs is missing in one clock). This inner lid fits into a deep inner tray that fits into a notched ledge near the inside rim. A flat shaped piece with applied brass strap handles, possibly a tamper, fits loosely into the inner tray. A bundle of incense sticks, bound with twine and tape, rests in the bottom space of each case. Four feet extend below the bottom of the case at either end, fitting into recesses carved into the top surfaces of the rosewood stands.
Incense or fire clocks were used in China as early as the sixth century, and eventually their use spread to other parts of Asia. While mechanical, candle and water clocks were introduced and used through the centuries, incense clocks continued to be used well into the 20th century. There were two types of incense clocks, one using incense sticks that were carefully produced to burn at a particular rate, and another type using powdered incense. Some of those using powdered incense could be used to measure as little time as a few hours, and as long as a month. Intervals of time could be signified using chips of differently scented materials. In the case of stick incense, the sticks could be made with different scents along the length of the stick, each scent delineating a period of time. In Chinese medicine, stick incense could be used to notify a patient when medication should be taken. The doctor would partially break an incense stick, and the patient would know to take a dose when the incense stopped burning.
The ruyi scepter is a ceremonial scepter used in Buddhist rites, and symbolizes power and good fortune. The word ruyi translates directly to "as you wish".