ABSTRACT
Burning incense, then, is an act of opening communication by formal deference, at least as a host to a guest, at most as subject to emperor. At first it seems paradoxical that among them the feast table celebrates collectivity and equality, especially if it is also an organisation around an incense-burner, such as a sworn brotherhood, a secret society, a group of classmates, or of compatriots, or a guild. Incense is, in short, treated as a medium of communication in its own right as well as a symbol of deference. There is delegation of ritual labour, from the essential work of holding incense in deference and communication to the throwing of the blocks to discover whether the offerings are satisfactory. Whether it be for their legendary mortal life or for their active presence, deference to gods is an act of communication between subjects.
