漢代筆記 vol.26 洛克菲勒三世收藏：漢代鎏金博山爐，1979年捐贈紐約亞洲協會 - Rockefeller Collection, Han Dynasty Gilt Bronze Censer in the Shape of Mount Bo (Boshanlu), Donated to Asia Society NY in 1979

博山爐此類香爐，最早可追溯至西元前四世紀，於南方楚地盛行。楚地社會對焚香與異域香料懷有濃厚興趣，並發展出一套與宗教、修煉及想像世界密切相連的香事文化。

Censers became popular during the 4th century B.C.E. in the southern state of Chu, where interest in incense and exotic fragrances was widespread.

關於漢代博山爐的精神世界，參考明尼阿波利斯博物館亞洲部主任柳揚博士的文章「上大山，見神人」：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ADRr23OejyFMpvYHFlTneA

博山形鎏金青銅爐（博山爐）

西元 1–2 世紀

中國北方鎏金青銅

高 14 公分，承盤直徑 11.7 公分

Asia Society，紐約洛克菲勒三世伉儷收藏，

1979 年捐贈館藏編號：1979.109a,b

至西漢時期（西元前 206 年—西元 9 年），香爐的造型逐漸演變為山岳形制，象徵傳說中的仙山世界，如「蓬萊」——一座被認為位於極西之地或東海之中的理想化仙境。此類山形香爐的上部，多塑作層巒起伏的山景，其間點綴犬、龜、猴等細小動物形象，並於山體各處鏤刻細孔，使焚香所生之煙霧得以緩緩逸出。

當時人們相信，香煙升騰所形成的雲霧，正是所謂的「雲氣」，被視為吉祥與瑞應的具象顯現。觀賞博山爐中煙氣縈繞、如雲如嵐的景象，並非單純的感官享受，而是一種可被解讀的宇宙徵象。對於追求長生與修煉不死之術的方士與信徒而言，博山爐因此成為實踐與象徵「仙境—人間通道」的重要器具。

本器之山形爐體，下承四瓣形承盤，承盤之下則以一條盤旋而上的龍作為支撐，龍身以高浮雕鑄成。此一結構，結合山、雲、龍等意象，清晰呈現出漢代上層社會對宇宙秩序、祥瑞觀念與不死信仰的視覺化理解。

Gilt Bronze Censer in the Shape of Mount Bo (Boshanlu)

1st-2nd century

North China

Gilt bronze

H. 5 1/2 x Diam. 4 5/8 saucer in. (14 x 11.7 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.109a,b

During the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.E. - C.E. 9), they began to be cast in the form of mountain peaks identified with magical worlds such as Penglai, an imaginary mountain paradise believed to lie either in the far west or in the eastern seas. The mountainous landscape that forms the top of the censer is populated with small figures of dogs, tortoises, and monkeys and is perforated with small holes to allow the smoke of the incense to escape. This smoke was believed to represent cloud-breath or yunqi, an auspicious omen.

The sight of smoke rising from a censer such as this one would have been interpreted as a tangible manifestation of cloud-breath, making such censers valuable tools for adepts in the various cults of immortality. On this censer, the mountainscape is supported on a four-petal tray standing on a coiled dragon cast in high relief.

FAQ（中英文對照）

Q1｜什麼是「博山爐」？

What is a Boshanlu?博山爐是一種漢代盛行的山形香爐，其造型象徵傳說中的仙山世界，如蓬萊、方丈等不死之境。A Boshanlu is a mountain-shaped incense burner popular in the Han dynasty, symbolizing mythical paradise mountains associated with immortality.

Q2｜博山爐為何與「不死思想」有關？

Why is the Boshanlu linked to immortality beliefs?香煙被視為「雲氣」，是天地間吉祥之氣的顯現；焚香與觀煙，被認為可感應仙界與長生之道。Incense smoke was believed to embody auspicious cloud-breath (yunqi), making the Boshanlu a ritual and symbolic tool for immortality cults.

Q3｜為什麼博山爐上常見動物形象？

Why are animals depicted on Boshanlu?這些動物象徵仙山中的靈獸或自然生命，強化山中世界的真實感與神聖性。Animals represent mythical or natural creatures inhabiting the immortal realm, enhancing the censer’s cosmological symbolism.

Q4｜鎏金工藝在此類器物中有何意義？

What is the significance of gilding?鎏金使器物呈現近似黃金的視覺效果，突顯其等級與神聖性，亦反映漢代冶金技術的成熟。Gilding provided a golden appearance, emphasizing prestige and ritual importance while showcasing advanced metallurgical techniques.

Q5｜龍形底座在漢代象徵什麼？

What does the dragon base symbolize?龍象徵權力、天命與天地運行，是溝通人間與天界的重要神獸。The dragon symbolizes cosmic power, imperial authority, and the link between heaven and earth.

Q6｜此件博山爐的收藏背景為何重要？

Why is the provenance important?本器出自 John D. Rockefeller III 收藏體系，並於 1979 年捐贈予亞洲協會，代表 20 世紀美國頂級亞洲藝術收藏的審美取向與學術水準。Its provenance reflects the Rockefeller collection’s role in shaping major American institutional holdings of Asian art.