Besides the common name "incense burner," some incense burners in Taoist temples may have specific names. For example, the rectangular eight-dragon pillar incense burner preserved in the Baiyun Temple in Beijing is an important Taoist artifact with a unique name and historical and cultural value.
Incense burners are utensils used in the art of incense offering, for religious sacrifices and daily burning of incense. Common materials include bronze, ceramics, gold, and silver, and shapes encompass Boshan burners, hand warmers, and reclining incense burners. Han Dynasty Boshan burners are known for their mountain-like shapes and are often decorated with winged figures and auspicious beasts. Celadon and white porcelain incense burners appeared during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. Ceramic incense burners became widespread among the common people during the Tang Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, incense burners became one of the four arts of the literati, giving rise to simpler shapes such as the li-style and lotus petal-style. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Xuande incense burners were highly praised for their exquisite craftsmanship, cast using the lost-wax method, and often imitated ancient styles. Incense burners served a variety of functions, including scenting clothes, offering prayers to Buddha, and accompanying reading in the study. Their structural design balanced practicality and decoration; for example, Han Dynasty incense burners used openwork patterns to diffuse fragrance.