Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang Dynasties · Eastward Spread of Buddhism and Incense Use in Prosperous Times
Buddhist incense came east with Sanskrit chants, and exotic fragrances were transported via the Silk Road and maritime routes—the Agarwood Pavilion of the Tang Dynasty is a footnote to incense use in prosperous times.
Eastward Spread of Buddhism, Incense Enters Daily Life
Since the Han and Wei dynasties, Buddhism spread eastward, and incense as a tool for offerings and spiritual practice became widespread. Stories such as the Perfume Adornment Youth attaining enlightenment through smelling incense and Vimalakirti's Land of Many Fragrances are deeply ingrained, seeIncense in Buddhist Scriptures. Jianzhen's eastward voyages brought incense medicines and incense utensils to Japan, becoming one of the origins ofJapanese Incense Ceremony.
Silk Road and Maritime Routes · Exotic Incense Enters China
Western region spices such as frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, and storax came along the Silk Road, while agarwood and sandalwood were imported via maritime routes, withSpice Wars and the Maritime Silk RoadThe trade and its surface appearance.
Incense Use in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty
In Tang Chang'an, the palace and nobility favored incense; the Agarwood Pavilion of Xingqing Palace was made of agarwood, and Li Bai, by imperial command, composed "Qingping Diao," seeThe Agarwood Pavilion and Qingping Diao. The use of incense moved from religion and ritual system into court and literati life.