Chinese Wood Incense Burner

Warmly, a twisted, root-like stump in dark brown, with a rusty nail jutting from the top.

This root wood incense burner is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Burning incense has a long history in China, where it has been part of ritual, scholarly life and the household for many centuries. Complete in frame, a tall, gnarled form with deep folds and hollows running down its sides, narrowing and swelling unevenly. A thin rusty spike rises from the flat top. The surface is a glossy dark brown with lighter ridges where it has been rubbed. It is 3.5 inches wide, 3 deep and 7 high.

Gnarled, twisted and thoroughly unwilling to stand up straight.