Silent Timekeeper
About the Artwork
"Silent Timekeeper" is an incense burner created by Fanson Lam that masterfully blends traditional Chinese culture with contemporary artistry. Inspired by the aesthetic principles of Chinese bonsai and an auspicious motif of "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," the work takes the form of a meticulously crafted bronze tree.
The intertwining branches, reminiscent of a dragon's sinuous form, bring the mythical creature to life. Breaking free from the constraints of traditional bonsai, the design incorporates dragon scales inspired by the logo of Vacheron Constantin. adding a unique touch. As the incense burns, a gentle wisp of smoke ascends from the openwork, creating an ethereal atmosphere that immerses the viewer in a symphony of art and tradition.
Story of Incense Burning in Song Dynasty
| The Passage of Time Through Incense |
In ancient China, before the advent of modern timepieces, people relied upon the burning of incense to measure time. They divided a day and night into one hundred equal parts, creating the "Hundred-interval System." Incense was crafted into specific shapes and lengths, known as "incense seals". Ancient practitioners would fill a mold with incense powder, forming the incense seal, and then ignite it, a practice known as "Hundred-interval Incense." It is said that this particular type of incense was already in use during the Tang Dynasty. By the Song Dynasty, it was commonplace, with some incense sticks capable of burning for an entire day and night.
The Song Dynasty witnessed a flourishing of incense culture, particularly among the literati class. They cherished, crafted and savored incense, making it an indispensable part of their lives.
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