incense boat

Unburnt incense receptacle

The defining functional relationship is holding incense before it is spooned into a censer, as described in the [V&A caption](https://media.vam.ac.uk/media/documents/gallery_text_writing_guide_updated.pdf).

1. What evidence establishes that this vessel held incense awaiting transfer to a censer? definition
2. Does the object instead have an intended combustion or ash-collection function? boundary

Form and documented use

Record the relationship between physical form, catalogue attribution and evidence of liturgical use without treating any single decorative feature as decisive.

1. Which inventory, catalogue, inscription or use record identifies the object as an incense boat? provenance
2. What evidence distinguishes it from a salt cellar, sauce boat or ornamental vessel? boundary

Usable fill level

Record a fill level that permits closing and spoon access, distinguishing it from brimful geometric volume.

1. What volume in mL can be held at the stated usable fill level? measurement
2. Do internal divisions, shallow ends or projections restrict loading and spoon access? measurement

Closure behaviour

Record the actual cover arrangement and retention behaviour without assuming a cover is present or a closure is sealed.

1. Which parts open, and is an absent cover intentional, missing or undocumented? definition
2. Can the cover close at the intended fill level without trapping incense or opening unintentionally? action
3. Are there gaps, failed seams or deformations through which the intended incense could escape? measurement

Associated spoon

A boat and spoon can be documented as a set, as in the Met's [Benjamin Pyne example](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/236950); record that association separately from fit.

1. Is the available spoon documented as original, later associated or a substitute? provenance
2. Can its bowl reach the usable compartment and pass through the opening without scraping? measurement

Accessible incense presentation

Record whether the boat can present an accessible incense compartment while remaining supported and clear of the receiving censer.

1. What cover position and supporting grip allow the spoon to enter and withdraw? action
2. Do the rim, cover or ornaments obstruct transfer toward the receiving censer? boundary
3. What handling arrangement avoids bringing the boat or supporting hand into contact with the hot censer? action

Loaded support

Assess the base and available grip surfaces under the actual loaded and open-cover configuration; decorative projections require evidence before being treated as handles.

1. What is the loaded mass, including any spoon carried with the boat? measurement
2. Which parts can support the vessel during carrying without loading a fragile ornament or loose joint? action
3. Does opening the cover compromise the boat's stability on its intended resting surface? action

Contents ready for dispensing

Readiness requires a recorded quantity and observable contents condition, with any required amount supplied by the intended service rather than assumed by this model.

1. How much incense remains, and how was that quantity estimated or measured? measurement
2. Are the contents identified and free of visible foreign matter or clumping that obstructs dispensing? definition
3. Should the boat be replenished, emptied or withheld for the stated service requirement? action

Material-specific care

Do not presume one material or treatment: documented examples include [silver](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/236950) and [enamel with gilded copper](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464007).

1. What evidence identifies the substrate and each interior or exterior finish? provenance
2. Where are deposits, corrosion, exposed substrate or detached finish visible in the incense compartment? measurement
3. Which documented care method is appropriate for these materials and the observed deposits? action

Continued-use decision

Distinguish an operational incense boat from a historic example whose fragility or custodial status limits filling, opening, polishing or ritual use.

1. Do loose hinges, cracked seams, unstable supports or sharp damage prevent filling and presentation? action
2. What repairs or replacements affect confidence in the cover, support or spoon association? provenance
3. Does the custodian permit active use, or must handling follow a conservation-only plan? action

Check these first

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these check these first hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Kinds and varieties

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Real-world use

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Failure modes and hazards

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Regional variation

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of incense boat this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance