{"product_id":"antique-chinese-engraved-stone-urn-incense-burner-asian-art-decor-collectible","title":"Antique Chinese Engraved Stone Urn Incense Burner Asian Art Decor Collectible","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSerpentine stone acid etched urn\u003c\/b\u003e (I believe it is a reproduction)- \u003cb\u003eChinese ritual vessel,\u003c\/b\u003e often referred to as a \u003ci\u003econg\u003c\/i\u003e or a \u003ci\u003ezun\u003c\/i\u003e jar. These objects were highly significant ceremonial items in ancient China. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIncense Burner Asian Art Décor Collectible\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e23 x 19 x 7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e2.85kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe vessel features intricate carvings of mythical beast masks, also known as \u003ci\u003etaotie\u003c\/i\u003e motifs, on both the body and the cover. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt has a distinctive square or rectangular shape with flanges on the sides and a knob on the lid. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe material is a mottled hardstone in tones of yellow, orange, and brown. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSuch pieces are often associated with ancient Chinese dynasties like the Shang, but production of similar items continues into the 20th century. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis item weighs a lot, so pick up is available at Pomona 4568 Qld, Australia. Shipping will be over $25.00 as an estimate in Aus.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAUD $175.00 + Shipping\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePick up Pomona 4568\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription and Use other information I have found out:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMaterial and Appearance:\u003c\/b\u003e The vessel is made of a yellowish, often translucent, stone, consistent with descriptions of Hetian jade or nephrite. It has a square body and a circular inner bore, with a fitted lid and handles featuring stylized animal or beast faces, a common motif known as \u003ci\u003etaotie\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHistorical Period:\u003c\/b\u003e The earliest \u003ci\u003econg\u003c\/i\u003e vessels appeared during the Neolithic period (around 3400–2250 BCE), particularly associated with the Liangzhu culture. The form continued to be used in later dynasties, including the Shang and Zhou, and was even reproduced in ceramics and metalwork centuries later.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFunction and Symbolism:\u003c\/b\u003e While its exact original purpose is a subject of scholarly debate, the \u003ci\u003econg\u003c\/i\u003e is widely believed to be a ritual implement used in sacrificial and burial ceremonies. Later texts associated the square outer shape with symbolizing the \u003cb\u003eEarth\u003c\/b\u003e, while the circular inner hole represented \u003cb\u003eHeaven\u003c\/b\u003e. The difficulty in carving such hard stone indicates the object's value and the high status of its owners in ancient society.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TFD Jewellery Crystals and Curio Pieces","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51726259978539,"sku":null,"price":863.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0270\/8763\/4507\/files\/428615378_10232599719876572_1838369357587089044_n.jpg?v=1768357189","url":"https:\/\/tfdjewellery.com\/en-cn\/products\/antique-chinese-engraved-stone-urn-incense-burner-asian-art-decor-collectible","provider":"TFD Jewellery, Crystals \u0026 Curios","version":"1.0","type":"link"}