The Evolution and Significance of Incense Burners Through History
Incense burners have played a significant role in various cultures, particularly in the East, where they are valued not only for their practical use but also for their aesthetic and symbolic significance. Over the ages, these vessels have come in various shapes and materials, reflecting the rich history and cultural diversity of incense use.
Types of Incense Burners and Their Materials
Incense Burner
The most common incense burner shapes include Boshan, Huoshe, and Jinshan Temple. These burners come in a variety of materials such as copper, ceramics, gold, silver, bamboo, wood, enamel, and jade.
Hand Burner
Also known as a handle incense burner or carrying burner, this small, portable incense burner can be carried in your sleeve and used to warm your hands. Typically made of copper, hand burners are often intricately carved with auspicious patterns.
Incense Bucket
Known for its long handle and slender design, the incense bucket is primarily used for worshiping Buddha. It is an ancient tool for burning granules or pills of incense.
Horizontal Incense Burner
This type of burner allows incense to burn horizontally, with the aroma emitting through patterned holes in the cover. Horizontal stoves are usually made of wood, copper, or stone, and some designs include multiple layers for convenient storage.
Incense Tube
Used for burning incense vertically, incense tubes are long, straight cylinders with flat top covers and bases. Common materials include bamboo, jade, and ivory.
Incense Ball
A uniquely designed burner in the shape of a round ball with a long chain. The incense ball can be divided into upper and lower halves, connected with tenons. It is known for its stability and can be used under a quilt without overturning. This design is also called "the incense burner in the quilt."
Incense Stick Holder
A base with a socket for holding incense sticks. Different styles of holders accommodate various incense stick specifications. Due to their ease of use and cleaning, incense stick holders are the most popular and widely used tools.
Incense Tray
A flat tray, often made of wood or metal, used for burning incense.
Incense Box
A container for storing incense products, often used to decorate incense tables and living rooms. Incense boxes are typically flat, round, or square and primarily made of wood.
Sachet（Xiangnang）
Used to hold fragrance powder, dried flowers, and other aromas, sachets are easy to carry or hang. Traditionally made of embroidered silk and placed in small stone, jade, gold, or silver boxes, sachets, also known as "peixiang," were often worn by ancient nobles as a status symbol or love token.
Incorporating Incense burners into Modern Life
The various incense burners not only serve functional purposes but also add a touch of elegance and tradition to modern spaces. Choosing the right burner can enhance your incense experience, whether you are performing a ritual, meditating, or simply creating a serene atmosphere in your home.
Feel free to explore and select from our curated range of incense burners to complement your QiLing incense. Each piece is crafted to bring beauty and tranquility into your space.
