Category

Religious Life of the Taiwanese

Time Period

To be determined

Size

32 × 28 × 20.3 cm

Material

Color on wood sculpture

The “Offering Box” (薦盒) is one of the ritual items used in worship. It is a tray or stand that holds wine cups for offering wine to the deities. The Offering Box is commonly placed in front of the central incense burner on the altar table. The platform on top is used to hold wine cups, usually three of them, for the wine offering ritual. During the worship ceremony, wine is added three times, known as the first round (一巡), second round(二巡), and third round(三巡). This practice is observed in temples, ancestral halls, and households alike. The Offering Box is often made of wood or tin, and its design and decorative carving can vary greatly. It is commonly adorned with auspicious motifs and patterns, featuring a diverse range of artistic styles. In most cases, Offering Boxes take the form of a small, single-layer bodies. While the specific designs may vary, the purpose of offering to the deities remains consistent across different styles and forms.

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