The Status and Uses of Scented Incense Beads in the Song Dynasty Court: Mindfulness, Medicine, and Majesty
In the splendid courts of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), an era renowned for its cultural refinement and intellectual achievements, one finds a profound and often overlooked treasure: scented incense beads. These meticulously crafted beads, known as he xiang zhu, were far more than mere adornments or luxuries. They were instruments of wellness, spiritual practice, […]








