QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Aloeswood, or chengxiamu or eaglewood, diffuses a fragrance which has made it highly treasured, especially in China, Japan and Tibet. The wood is typically only found in small segments of usable material, which are traditionally pieced together to make small scholar's articles. It is also valuable in the manufacture of incense. A larger carved aloeswood libation cup with a broader base is in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 49.