Chinese White Jade Hanging Incense Tube with Enameled and Coral Beads
Qing Dynasty

Carved from pale white jade of soft, even tone, the tubular vessel is of elongated rectangular form and hollowed within, fitted with a sliding cover at one end. The exterior is decorated with rows of raised bosses accented with gilt decoration, creating a restrained yet elegant decorative effect. Suspended from an enameled bead above and terminating in a coral bead below, the piece retains its original suspension cords and fittings.

Known in Chinese as a xiangtong (incense tube), such objects were worn as personal accessories by members of the Qing elite and literati class. Designed to contain incense sticks, aromatic materials, or scented sachets, they combined practical use with refined aesthetic appeal. The present example is notable for its finely polished jade, complete fittings, and elegant proportions, embodying the cultured tradition of incense appreciation in late imperial China.

{Length (not including bead) 5 1/4 inches (13.5 cm)}.

清代 白玉香筒 配珐琅珠及珊瑚珠

白玉质，玉色温润柔和，局部可见天然沁色。器呈长方柱形，中空，一端设抽拉式活动盖板，可供开启收纳。器身四周饰整齐排列之乳钉纹，并以金彩点缀其间，布局规整而富装饰意味。顶部系彩绘珐琅珠，下端饰珊瑚珠及丝绦，保存有原配悬挂装置。

香筒又称“香桶”，为清代宫廷及文人士大夫常见的随身佩饰之一，用以盛放线香、香料或香签，悬挂于衣带之间，兼具实用与赏玩功能。明清时期，焚香、品香蔚然成风，香筒遂成为文人雅士生活中的重要器物，不仅体现主人对于香事文化的喜爱，亦反映其审美品味与生活情趣。本件玉料细润，雕工简洁雅致，构思巧妙，且配件保存完整，尤为难得。

长 5 1/4 英寸（13.5 厘米，不含珠）。

For condition report, please contact the Asian Art Department.