Items Similar to Chinese Baitong Stacking Incense Clock, c. 1850
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Chinese Baitong Stacking Incense Clock, c. 1850
About the Item
This three-tiered container is a 19th-century white brass incense clock, once used as a relatively accurate method to mark the passage of time. Incense clocks were utilized by Qing dynasty astronomers, palace officials, temples, and night watchmen, among others, as it was accurate, portable, and could be used day and night. These incense burners were used as clocks by forming intricate, winding lines of powdered incense by means of a geometric mold and a metal tamper. By knowing the burn time of the particular incense used, an individual could then measure the passage of time by how long it took the entire design to turn to ash.
This example is formed from baitong, also known as white brass or paktong, and has a three tier design with an openwork lid of a reticulated geometric pattern. Reminiscent of window lattice, this perforated design allowed for airflow and encouraged the fragrant smoke to spread throughout a room. All three tiers stack neatly together and include an inner tray that can be removed to toss ashes and debris.
From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.
Minor metal warping on lid.
Additional Dimensions:
Bottom Compartment: 1.5"H
Middle Compartment: 1.25"H
Upper Compartment: 1.25"H
- Dimensions:Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Depth: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)
- Style:Qing (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor metal warping on lid.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: CFC6051stDibs: LU820039332752
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1997
1stDibs seller since 2006
1,669 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllChinese Lattice Top Incense Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Chinese Etched Baitong Brass Hat Stand, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In 19th century, China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A one of a kind folding ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Chinese Baitong Etched Brass Folding Hat Stand, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In 19th century China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A hand-crafted, one of a ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Hat Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A small brass canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the 19th century and is decorated with etchi...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Copper
Chinese White Brass Happiness Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this petite 19th-century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a well-to-do person on a cold winter's night in northern China. The brazier is crafted of white brass in a rectangular form, complete with a hinged handle and an intricately pierced lid with a chrysanthemum pattern. The exterior is etched with a pattern of golden coins...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Chinese Five Blessings Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the cold hands of a wealthy woman on a winter night in northern China. The brazier is hand-wrough...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
You May Also Like
Chinese Canton Enamel Round Stacking Boxes and Cover, circa 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Mughal Indian Polished Brass Pierced Incense Box
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful hand-crafted polished brass footed box with with lid, latch and handle intricately hand-hammered with geometric designs and pierced with holes.
Vintage pierced decorative Mughal Indian style brass box from India...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Agra Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Lao Tian Li Cloisonne Cylindrical Box, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful antique Chinese cloisonné cylindrical box and cover by Lao Tian Li, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The box of cylindrical form and w...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Chinese Export Hardstone and Gilt Silver Filigree Peacock Box, 1920's, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite Chinese export peacock from hardstone and gilt silver filigree canister box, Republic Period, circa 1920's, China.
The graceful and elegant hardstone container of cyli...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Stone, Silver, Enamel
Chinese Silver Repoussé Box with Warriors, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine late Qing or early Republic Period Chinese silver repoussé box featuring a scene possibly from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Cloisonne Incense Burner, circa 1960's, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and beautifully enameled Chinese cloisonne incense burner, censer, with pierced cover, mid 20th century, circa 1960's, China.
The ce...
Category
Vintage 1960s Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
