An incense burner is a sacrificial vessel used to purify a place where a sacred ritual takes place via burning incense. The Great Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje discovered at the site of a temple workshop in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo, is marked by a phoenix perched on the summit of sacred mountain peaks forming the lid. There are tiny holes hidden between the peaks letting fragrant smoke out.
The shape of this burner conceived from the Daoist utopia resided by immortal sages is known to have originated from the Boshanlu which began to relish great popularity among the Chinese people in the Han Dynasty (approx. 206 BCE to 220 CE). The sacred mountain resided by Daoist immortals is believed, as shown by the details elaborately rendered on this burner, to contain a variety of mythical creatures, auspicious animals and plants, growing and living harmoniously.
There are in the holy mountain intricately expressed on this incense burner five musicians playing ancient stringed instruments, pipes, and a drum, along with immortal sages and imaginary creatures including birds, land animals and plants. These living creatures are surrounded by the grandeur of nature where trees, rocks and gushing waters create austere and sublime beauty.