Incense seals and stamps in Chinese and Korean culture: typology and context

This article analyzes artistic seals and stamps as a special tool in incense culture of China and Korea, used from the early Middle Ages to the present day. These tools of varying look and shape are analyzed in a historical and cultural context, using high quality materials and sources drawn from ethnographic sources and anthropological research of the authors. The use and evolution of such tools in China can be traced back as far as the early Esoteric Buddhist practices of the 7th - 8th centuries (and their prototypes in the form of Taoist ritual talisman-seals 符 fu or 印 yin can be dated as far back as the 4th - 5th centuries). In Korean culture however, the use of these tools can be traced back, presumably, only to the Goryeo era (918-1392), after which a long gap in terms of findings follows. The historical and typological analysis of the development of cultural traditions using these tools, in this particular case, could only be completed using predominantly current material. As a result of comparative study, this article identifies the most representative types of patterns, and determines the functions and applicability of such tools. The authors are grateful to their colleagues from the Buyeo National Museum (Republic of Korea) for the many years of support and assistance in working with rare historical artifacts - to Director Mr. Yun Hyeungwon (尹炯元), curators of this museum Ms. Shin Nahyeon (辛娜賢), Ms. Jeon Sangeun (全祥恩) and other employees. The authors also thank the owners of the “Neungin hyangdang” private company (能仁香堂 lit. “Shakyamuni Buddha Fragrance Refuge”) in Busan - to the general manager Ms. Kim Heero (金熙露) and her family for their attentive attitude and helpful recommendations during the research of Korean incense culture. A very special, separate note of appreciation goes out to mentor Songcheon (松泉), Tongdosa Museum director for the opportunity to get acquainted with cultural relics and valuable advice on conducting a Buddhist ceremony, using of incense.