Lance Carson
Incense, derived from the Latin word to burn, is a substance that is burned to produce a fragrant scent. The burning time of an incense stick depends on its thickness, length, and quality. Typically, an incense stick is expected to burn for 20-40 minutes, however, some sources state that a full incense stick can burn in about 5 minutes. The scent of the incense can linger in the room for hours after the stick has burned out, depending on whether synthetic or natural fragrances are used. Incense is often used for relaxation, meditation, or yoga, and the burning process involves lighting the stick with a match or lighter, allowing the flame to burn for a few seconds, and then gently blowing it out.
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What You'll Learn
Incense as a primitive clock
The use of incense as a timekeeping device, or "incense clock", dates back to at least the 6th century CE in China. Incense clocks were also used in Japan, with one surviving example found in the Shōsōin. The concept is simple: time is measured by the combustion of incense, either in stick or seal form.
Incense clocks come in a variety of forms. The most common type is the incense stick clock, which uses incense sticks that have been calibrated to known burning rates. The incense seal clock, on the other hand, involves burning lines of powdered incense seals, usually made of wood or stone, though metal versions were introduced during the Song dynasty. These seals often had multiple levels and patterned perforated tops, with grooves for the incense to burn through.
The incense used in these clocks could be straight or spiralled, with the latter being longer and intended for longer periods of time. Different scents could be used to mark the hours, with changes in fragrance indicating the passage of time. This was also achieved by placing small pieces of fragrant woods, resins, or differently scented incense along the incense powder trail.
The incense clock was not just a timekeeping device but also an object of beauty and complexity. The stencils used to create the incense trails allowed for variation in the length of the path, accommodating the changing length of days in the year and the longer nights of winter. The clocks were often decorated and given as gifts, and they were commonly used by Chinese scholars and intellectuals, as well as at social gatherings.
Even with the advent of mechanical clocks in the 1600s, the use of incense for time measurement persisted due to its accessibility and functionality. It was used by coal miners and tea-roasters well into the twentieth century, demonstrating the enduring practicality of this primitive form of timekeeping.
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Incense clocks in ancient China
Incense clocks, also known as 'fragrance clocks', were first used in China around the 6th century CE. They originated during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and spread to neighbouring East Asian countries such as Japan and Korea.
Incense clocks are timekeeping devices that use the gradual burning of incense to measure time. The incense used is typically in the form of sticks or powdered incense, which is calibrated to burn at a consistent rate. The incense is placed in a series of trays, with the bottom tray containing tools like a tiny shovel and a damper, followed by a pan of wood or ash, and then a variety of stencils for laying out the incense trail. The stencils are designed to burn for different amounts of time, with longer paths for winter nights and shorter ones for summer. The incense clocks also often included bells and gongs that would act as strikers to indicate the passage of time.
Incense clocks were commonly used in homes and temples in ancient China, especially before the invention of mechanical clocks. They were also used in other parts of Asia, alongside water, mechanical, and candle clocks. The use of incense clocks was not limited to timekeeping but also extended to religious and social gatherings, where they were used by scholars and intellectuals.
The intricate design of incense clocks made them unique compared to other ancient clock systems, and their compact size allowed them to fit into the palm of one's hand. The incense clocks were made of durable, fire-resistant metals to prevent warping or scorching from the heat of the flame. The incense seal clocks, a type of incense clock with patterned metal stencils, were particularly sought-after by clock collectors.
Incense clocks played a significant role in ancient Chinese culture, with expressions related to incense commonly used to indicate the passage of time. They were accessible and functional, persisting well into the twentieth century, even as mechanical clocks became available.
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Incense sticks in Japanese culture
The use of incense in Japan is deeply rooted in its culture and history, with a tradition spanning over a millennium. The burning of incense in Japan began during the 6th century, or the Asuka period, with the introduction of Buddhism, which incorporated incense in its rituals and ceremonies. The Nihon Shoki, a book of classical Japanese history, records that a log of agarwood, a fragrant wood used in incense burning, drifted ashore on Awaji Island in 595 CE and was presented to Prince Shōtoku and the Empress Suiko. Agarwood was imported from China via Korea, along with Buddhism, and the ritual burning of incense became established in Japan.
Incense quickly became an integral part of Japanese culture, used in various contexts such as temples, tea ceremonies, incense ceremonies, and casual enjoyment. The word for incense in Japanese is "kō" (香), and it is written with the Chinese Kangxi radical 186, composed of nine strokes. The character can also be expanded to 27 strokes (馫), with a literal translation of "fragrance". The crafting and appreciation of incense is considered one of Japan's oldest and most culturally significant arts.
The production methods and availability of incense in Japan underwent significant changes during the Edo period in the 19th century. Senkō incense sticks became more widely accessible to the general public as manufacturing shifted to an industrial scale. This period also saw the development of "mainichi-kō" or "everyday incense" by the master craftsman Kitō Yūjirō. Established companies like Nippon Kodo, Shoyeido, and Baieido are some of the most renowned suppliers of Japanese incense today, with a history spanning centuries.
Japanese incense sticks are unique in that they are made without a wooden core, resulting in a softer texture compared to other regional varieties. The sticks are typically composed of powdered aromatic woods, spices, herbs, and oils, mixed with a binder like makkō (抹香) or natural ingredients like honey or ume plum flesh. The paste is then extruded and dried, resulting in pure incense sticks that burn strongly, similar to their stick-based counterparts.
The burning of incense holds symbolic and spiritual significance in Japan. In addition to its use in Buddhist ceremonies, incense is valued for its calming and soothing properties during meditation and spiritual practices. The art of incense burning, or "takimono" (薫物), involves heating incense over charcoal to perfume a space or room. This traditional method requires more time and preparation but allows for a gradual release of fragrance.
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Incense seal designs
Incense seals were a popular method of using incense in ancient China, especially during the Song Dynasty. People used moulds to press incense powder into fixed characters or patterns. The incense would burn sequentially, and in ancient Zen temples, incense seals were often used to measure time.
To create an incense seal, use a lighter to ignite an incense stick and then light the incense seal. This prevents gases from damaging the imprinted seal. Observe the smoke and flames as the seal ignites and the characters gradually transform, creating a unique visual experience. Incense seals can be used to assist in quiet contemplation, allowing insights into the principles of prosperity and decline, peaks and valleys.
It is important to store incense powder in a sealed bottle or container. After using incense powder, seal it in an airtight bag to prevent moisture. If dampness is detected, ignite a piece of charcoal and bury it in the powder to dry it. Choose incense seal patterns based on different activities, aligning with the theme of the gathering. A larger incense burner is preferable for creating incense seals.
Incense seals can be purchased from various online retailers, such as Etsy and Amazon. These retailers offer a range of incense seal products, including incense powder, moulds, seals, and other accessories.
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Incense time in literature
The use of incense in literature has a rich and varied history, often associated with timekeeping, religious rituals, and aromatic descriptions. Here is an exploration of the concept of "incense time" in literature:
Incense as a Timekeeping Device
Incense has been used as a timekeeping device in various cultures, and this is reflected in literature. In ancient China, incense clocks were used to measure time by burning powdered incense along a pre-measured path, with each stencil representing a different duration. This practice is mentioned in historical writings, including those of the poet Yu Jianwu (487–551) and Jesuit missionary Father Gabriel de Magalhaen, who observed and crafted incense clocks in mid-1660s China. The concept of "incense time" in this context refers to the precise measurement of time facilitated by the consistent burn rate of incense.
Incense in Xianxi Literature
The phrase "incense stick of time" is commonly used in Xianxi books, a Chinese fantasy genre. In these works, the phrase poetically denotes a duration ranging from 5 minutes to an hour, reflecting the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. This usage underscores the importance of incense in shaping the narrative flow and adding a layer of atmospheric detail to the fantastical settings.
Incense in Rabbinic Literature
Incense offerings play a significant role in rabbinic literature, steeped in religious and symbolic significance. The Hebrew word "mor" refers to the incense used in biblical times, believed by some to be musk (Moschus moschiferus) and by others to be myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). The preparation of this incense was a closely guarded secret, known only to the priests of the House of Avtinas during the Second Temple period. The rabbis considered withholding ingredients from the holy incense a punishable offence, underscoring the sacred nature of these aromatic practices.
Incense in Aromatic Descriptions
Incense is often used in literature to create vivid aromatic descriptions. With its ability to release fragrant smoke when burnt, incense adds depth to scenes, evoking specific moods or atmospheres. Incense can be described as having various scents, from sweet spices to aromatic condiments, each chosen to enhance the narrative and engage the reader's senses.
In conclusion, the concept of "incense time" in literature encompasses both the practical timekeeping function of incense clocks and the more figurative use of incense as a narrative device, symbolic ritual, or aromatic detail. Whether in ancient Chinese texts, rabbinic literature, or modern fantasy novels, incense serves as a versatile element that enriches the storytelling experience.
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Frequently asked questions
An incense stick of time is a phrase used in Xianxi books, a Chinese fantasy genre, to refer to the amount of time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
The burning time of an incense stick depends on its type and quality. Most incense sticks today will burn for at least 30 to 45 minutes. However, in literature, an incense stick of time can refer to anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.
Incense clocks, also known as fragrance clocks, were used as timekeeping devices in ancient China. These clocks used incense sticks calibrated to known burning rates. The clocks often featured weights attached to threads at even intervals. As the incense burned, the weights would drop onto a platter or gong below, indicating that a set amount of time had passed.
While incense clocks originated in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279), they spread to neighbouring East Asian countries such as Japan and Korea. Incense clocks were also used in Japan, though they were produced in smaller quantities.
In the novel Memoirs of a Geisha, the author describes how, in the past, a one-hour incense stick called "one ohana" or "flower" was lit upon a geisha's arrival at a party. The geisha's fees were based on the number of incense sticks that burned during her stay.
