I picked this up in 2008 in Hong Kong. A beautiful and curious object that I knew nothing about, and that promptly went into my collection box until now. 16 years of ignorance, that only my new curiosity has led to learning what it is.

Joss paper represents money (or possessions in this case). It's burned in Chinese and other Asian cultures as offerings to ancestors or spirits. I found a great guide about it here, along with a comment suggesting that how I've treaded this Joss Paper has been a little insensitive.

As the author writes, "I wouldn’t keep offerings as souvenirs, as it’s not the intended purpose, as you note. Perhaps take a picture from a respectful distance to help a memory endure."

Part one of putting right what I've done is at least to take these pictures. Next step, seeing as I've already bought them is find out how to respectfully pass them on. I'll read a little more. This piece won't be available for giving away though.