Katrina Rosales
There are many ways to make an incense burner, from using clay to wood, and even metal. A popular method is to use the Japanese technique of Kurinuki, which involves carving a pot from a lump of clay. This method is great for those wanting to learn new ways of hand-building with clay. The process involves marking a circle in the middle of the clay, which is where the incense cone will sit. Clay is then removed from outside the circle to raise the platform. The base is then flipped over and more clay is removed to thin it out. A small indent is then carved for the incense cone to sit in. The lid of the burner can be shaped like a volcano by hollowing out a dome that was cut off earlier. This can be placed on top of the base for a snug fit.
How to Carve an Incense Burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clay, water, paintbrush, rolling pin, needle tool, knife, bowl, glue, sandpaper, drill, wood |
| Techniques | Kurinuki (Japanese method of carving pots from a lump of clay), hand-building, smoothing, scoring, blending, drilling, carving |
| Steps | Roll out clay, cut/carve clay into desired shape, smooth edges, score, attach additional clay shapes, blend with fingers or tools, sand, glue, drill holes |
| Purpose | To create a functional and/or decorative incense burner |
| Design Options | Heart-shaped face, volcano shape, simple holder |
| Challenges | Ensuring structural integrity, fireproofing (for wooden burners) |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right clay
Type of Clay
The most common types of clay used for incense burners are air-dry clay, polymer clay, and kiln-fired clay. Air-dry clay is a convenient option if you don't have access to a kiln, as it dries naturally over time. However, it can be more fragile and may require extra care when handling delicate details. Polymer clay is known for its vibrant colours and durability, but it requires baking in an oven. Kiln-fired clay is ideal for advanced users who want to create long-lasting, high-quality pieces, but it needs to be fired at high temperatures.
Workability
Consider the workability of the clay, especially if you plan to create intricate designs. Choose a clay that is easy to shape and carve when it is on the softer side. You can wedge and shape the clay first and then let it dry and firm up slightly before carving to achieve the desired consistency.
Safety
If you intend to use your incense burner for direct contact with hot embers or incense, natural clay is the safest option. All other types of clay will burn, scorch, melt, or deform, and they may also produce unpleasant odours. Polymer clay, for example, should be used in a way that prevents direct contact with hot embers or flames.
Sustainability
If sustainability is important to you, opt for eco-friendly clay options. By choosing environmentally-conscious materials, you can create a beautiful and functional incense burner that aligns with your values.
Customization
Consider the level of customization you desire. Some clays offer a wider range of colours and design options, allowing you to create a unique and personalized incense burner that suits your style and preferences.
In summary, selecting the right clay for your incense burner involves considering factors such as workability, safety, sustainability, and customization options. By choosing the most suitable type of clay and following the appropriate preparation and carving techniques, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing incense burner that meets your specific requirements.
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Carving the incense burner's face
To start carving the face of your incense burner, you will need to prepare your clay. Make sure the clay is firm and easy to carve, similar to modelling clay. You can shape it into a dome if you want a volcano-shaped burner. If you are creating a face, roll out a pea-sized ball of clay and cut it in half to create two heart-shaped pieces for the eyes.
Next, score the areas where you want to attach the eyes, dab with water, and attach the eyes. Use a spoon-shaped paddle tool or your fingers to blend the eyes into the face, pushing any excess clay down into the face. You can use a small paintbrush to smooth out any hard-to-reach areas. Repeat this process for the nose and lips, using a small chunk of clay to roll into coils for the lips.
If you are creating a more complex face with defined features, you may want to use a set of dovetail jaws to hold a piece of lime, which will become the base of the face. Clean up the exposed end grain with a skew chisel, and sand the face and edge of the base. Remember that the face of the base will be facing upwards, so take your time with this step. You can also add details like a baseball cap using the same piece of timber as the base.
Once you are happy with the face, you can attach it to the incense burner. Use a needle tool to score the back of the face and the appropriate section of the burner. Dab the scored areas with water, then attach and blend with your paddle tool and fingers. If you are creating a wooden burner, you can use wood glue to attach the pieces and clamp them in place until dry.
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Adding features like eyes, nose, and lips
When crafting an incense burner with facial features, it's important to start with the right materials and tools. You'll need a bag of clay, pottery tools, a rolling pin or equivalent, and a bowl of water for your fingers. Begin by shaping a circle slab that will form the base of your burner's face. Smooth and carve this slab until you're happy with the basic shape.
Now, let's add some features! For the nose, take a small piece of clay and roll it into a chunky coil. Taper one end by rolling it more on one side, then trim it to create a triangle. Score the back of the triangle and the area of the circle slab where you want the nose to be attached. You can create little x's or hashtags with a spiked needle tool. Dab the scored areas with water, then attach and blend the nose into the face using your fingers and a spoon-shaped paddle tool.
For the lips, grab another piece of clay and roll it into a thin coil. Place this coil at the edge of the circle slab, just below the nose, and blend it in. Use your fingers to trim and taper the sides of the lip as needed. Score, dab with water, and attach the bottom lip, repeating the same process as before. Smooth the lips, nose, and face with your fingers or tools, adding water to your fingers or tools if the clay feels dry.
Moving on to the eyes, roll out another pea-sized ball of clay and cut it in half to create two equal pieces. Shape these into hearts, which will be the eyes of your incense burner. Score the areas where you want the eyes to be placed, dab with water, and attach. Use your fingers or a spoon-shaped paddle tool to blend the eyes seamlessly into the face, pushing any excess clay up into the nose or down onto the cheeks.
Finally, use your needle tool to create nostrils and the hole for the incense stick. Puncture the back of the face and the incense burner slab to attach the face securely, using the same scoring and dabbing technique as before.
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Trimming and hollowing out the dome
First, let's talk about the tools you'll need. For trimming and hollowing, a needle tool, a large Polyfilla tool or spatula, and a tool for boring holes (or even a simple straw) will come in handy. It's also important to have a cup of water nearby to dip your fingers or tools in if the clay starts to feel dry.
Now, let's begin with trimming. Using your needle tool, mark a circle in the middle of your dome. This circle is important as it will serve as the platform for your incense cone. Remove clay from the outside of this circle to raise the platform slightly. You can then flip the dome over and remove some clay from the bottom to thin out the base. This step is crucial as it ensures that the dome doesn't become too heavy, which could affect its stability.
The hollowing process is just as important. You'll want to hollow out the dome by removing clay from its inside. This step gives the dome a more spacious interior while maintaining a wall thickness of about 2 cm. Remember to check the fit of your dome on the base periodically. If it's not snug, you can always remove a little more clay from the inside of the dome.
Once you're happy with the fit, it's time to add some volcanic flair. Using your large Polyfilla tool or spatula, create facets on the outside of the dome, giving it the appearance of a rocky mountain. This texturized surface will not only look impressive but will also enhance the visual effect once smoke starts escaping from your incense burner.
Finally, it's time to add some holes. With your boring tool or straw, create holes at the top and angular holes on the sides. These holes serve a dual purpose: they provide ventilation for the incense smoke and contribute to the overall volcanic appearance. Test out your hole placements by burning an incense cone inside and observing how the smoke escapes. If needed, you can always adjust the hole placements or add more facets to perfect your miniature volcano.
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Fireproofing the burner
When crafting an incense burner, fireproofing is a crucial step to ensure the safety and longevity of your creation. Here are some detailed instructions to fireproof your carved incense burner:
Choosing the Right Materials
Start by selecting the appropriate clay for your burner. Different types of clay have varying levels of heat resistance, so opt for a variety that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or warping. Fireclay, for instance, is designed to resist high temperatures and is commonly used for fireplaces and fire pits.
Proper Drying and Firing
Ensure your carved burner is completely dry before exposing it to heat. Moisture in the clay can lead to cracking or exploding when heated. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times, and consider using a kiln to dry your burner thoroughly. Firing your burner in a kiln will also help strengthen it and make it more heat-resistant.
Gradual Temperature Increase
Introduce heat to your burner gradually. Start with a low temperature and slowly increase it over time. This process allows the clay to adjust to the heat and reduces the risk of thermal shock, which can cause cracking or breakage.
Protective Coating
Consider applying a heat-resistant glaze or coating to the burner's surface. These coatings act as a protective barrier, providing an extra layer of insulation and making the burner easier to clean. Choose a glaze that is suitable for high temperatures and apply it evenly to the burner, following the manufacturer's instructions for curing and drying.
Testing and Monitoring
Always test your burner before regular use. Place a small amount of incense and light it, monitoring the burner's performance and temperature. Ensure that the burner can contain the heat and that the incense burns evenly. If you notice any unusual behaviour, such as excessive smoke or uneven burning, discontinue use and inspect the burner for defects.
By following these steps, you can enhance the fire resistance of your carved incense burner, making it safer and more durable for your enjoyment. Remember to always exercise caution when working with fire, and enjoy your hand-crafted burner responsibly.
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Frequently asked questions
The best method depends on the material you are using to carve your incense burner. For clay, the Kurinuki technique is a great option for hand-building with clay. For wood, you can use a bandsaw to cut and shape your burner.
First, use a needle tool to mark a circle in the middle of your clay, this is where the incense cone will sit. Remove clay from the outside of the circle to raise the platform, then flip the base over and remove clay from the bottom to thin out the base. You can then use a tool to bore holes in the top and sides of the burner to allow smoke to escape.
Roll out a slab of clay and cut a circle or oval that will be the face of your burner. Then, use small chunks of clay to create facial features such as a nose, mouth, and eyes, attaching them with water and a paddle tool. Finally, smooth out the surface with your fingers or a paintbrush.
There is no way to 100% fireproof wood, but you can use certain materials to protect the wood from heat. Metal, soapstone, or porcelain discs placed between the incense and the burner can help prevent the wood from burning. You can also use a fire retardant coating, such as No Burn Original Class A Fire Retardant.
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