Activity
Create an Abstract Dreamscape
In this activity, you will create an art piece inspired by the work of Bernice Bing.
Gourd-shaped incense container
This small, ceramic container is used to hold pieces of incense. The entire piece is shaped to look like a gourd, and it is painted with a design of leaves.
In a full, four-hour tea gathering, which includes the serving of a light meal, sweets, and two kinds of tea, the host builds the charcoal fire in front of the guests. The host then places a small piece of incense near the hot coals. As the incense warms, it gives the tearoom a pleasing fragrance. The guests ask to view the incense container more closely and will likely inquire about the shape and the maker. In some tea gatherings, the host places the incense container in the alcove for the guests to view. Incense containers come in a variety of shapes—animals, seashells, gourds, toys—and often evoke the time of year. They are usually made of ceramic, shell, or lacquered wood.