TCM Unearthed: Green-glazed Ceramic Censer

This exquisite piece of proto-porcelain was created during the Warring States period, an era of great change in ancient China. The burner features meticulously carved triangular vents arranged in staggered rows, which are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. When aromatic herbs were burned inside, fragrant smoke would curl out through these openings. Ancient people used censers not only to purify the air and dispel unpleasant odors but also to refresh the mind and cultivate inner peace. This concept is remarkably similar to the modern use of essential oil diffusers for relaxation and well-being. It is now housed in the Zhejiang Museum of TCM.

Portions of this article were adapted from research materials originally published on National Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine.