Pair of spinach jade incense holders from Hetian, ‘Poem,’ Qing dynasty

Two carved cylinders made of spinach green Hetian jade, tubular and cylindrical, with individual carved wooden lids and bases. The jade is deep, dark green, with black speckles that give it texture. The main decoration is a long inscription of engraved characters running across the surface of each cylinder, accompanied by multiple square and oval incised seals simulating ink impressions. The top is a conical carved wooden lid with ventilation holes. The base is carved wood with openwork scroll patterns. Qing dynasty (1644–1912).

Jade size: 19.5 x 4.55 cm; Total height: 26.5 cm

Total weight: 1040 g