Antonio Mcgowan
Chinese incense has a rich history, with the earliest documented use of incense coming from ancient China. Over the years, Chinese incense has evolved and become more sophisticated, influencing the foundations of Japanese incense and that of other East Asian countries. Chinese incense is made from natural dry ingredients, including woods such as sandalwood, Chinese cedar, and nanmu, as well as dry animal and fruit parts. There are various types of Chinese incense, including coils, cored sticks, dhoop or solid sticks, and powder incense. The usage of Chinese incense differs depending on religious practices. For example, in Taoism, traditional incense includes cypress and jiangzhen, while sandalwood and resin incense are forbidden. Chinese incense ceremonies have gained popularity in recent times, with people using wood shavings, such as agarwood, or high-resin woods to burn during these ceremonies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The earliest documented use of incense was in ancient China, with the first known Chinese incense recipes book, called Blended Incense Recipes, written approximately 2,500 years ago. |
| Ingredients | Over 400 types of incense ingredients are used in Chinese incense, with over 100 blends commonly used. Ingredients include woods such as sandalwood, aloeswood, Chinese cedar, and nanmu, as well as dry animal parts (e.g. musk, shells) and dry fruit parts (e.g. citrus peel). |
| Forms | Chinese incense can take various forms, including coils, cored sticks ("joss sticks"), powder, paper, and rope. |
| Burning methods | Chinese incense can be burned using indirect or direct-burning methods. Indirect-burning incense requires a separate heat source, such as a hot metal plate or charcoal, while direct-burning incense is lit directly by a flame. |
| Religious and cultural significance | Chinese incense is used in religious and spiritual practices, such as Buddhism and Taoism, as well as in ceremonial rites and for aesthetic, aromatic, and medicinal purposes. |
| Availability | Chinese incense can be purchased from various sources, including online platforms like AliExpress and Etsy, and companies like Kin Objects and Incense House. |
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What You'll Learn
- Chinese incense types: coils, cones, cored sticks, dhoop, powder, paper, and rope
- Chinese incense ingredients: aloeswood, sandalwood, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, and more
- Chinese incense ceremonies: indirect and direct burning methods
- Chinese incense history: ancient China to the Ming and Song Dynasties
- Where to buy Chinese incense: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Etsy, AliExpress, etc?
Chinese incense types: coils, cones, cored sticks, dhoop, powder, paper, and rope
Chinese incense comes in a variety of forms, each with its own unique characteristics and method of use. Here is a guide to the different types of Chinese incense:
Coils
Coil incense is extruded and shaped into a coil without a core. It can burn for an extended period, from hours to days, and is commonly produced and used in Chinese cultures. Coil incense burners are specifically designed for this type of incense, as it cannot burn well on hard, flat surfaces.
Cones
Incense cones burn relatively quickly and were invented in Japan in the 1800s. To burn cone incense, a cone incense burner is used. These come in various designs and sizes, made from materials such as ceramic or metal.
Cored Sticks
Cored stick incense has a supporting core, typically made of bamboo, that is coated with a thick layer of incense material. Higher-quality variations have fragrant sandalwood cores. This type of incense is commonly produced in China and India. In Chinese folk religion, they are sometimes known as "joss sticks". The bamboo core is prepared by hand, trimmed to length, soaked, peeled, and split into thin sticks. The incense mixture is then applied using methods such as paste-rolling or powder-coating.
Dhoop
Dhoop, or solid stick incense, does not contain a bamboo core, making it easy to break for portion control. While it is not as commonly produced in China, it is the most popular form of incense in Japan and Tibet.
Powder
Powder incense is made from loose incense powder and can be burned without further processing. It is typically packed into long trails on top of wood ash using a stencil and burned in special censers or incense clocks. Powder incense can also be used as an indirect burning incense, requiring a separate heat source such as charcoal, burning embers, or a hot metal plate.
Paper
Paper incense is created by infusing paper with resin or oils extracted from fragrant material. It is then folded accordion-style and lit, with the flame blown out to allow the incense to smolder. Examples include Carta d'Armenia and Papier d'Arménie.
Rope
To make rope incense, the incense powder is first rolled into paper sheets, which are then twisted and rolled into ropes. The thicker end, called the bight, is placed vertically in a shallow dish of sand or pebbles to hold it upright. The thinner end is lit and burned. Rope incense is easily transportable and stays fresh for long periods, making it a popular choice for incense users.
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Chinese incense ingredients: aloeswood, sandalwood, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, and more
Chinese incense has a rich history, with the earliest documented use of incense coming from ancient China. The ancient Chinese used incense composed of herbs and plant products as a component of numerous formalized ceremonial rites. Today, there are over 400 types of incense ingredients used in Chinese incense.
Lan & Hui Flowers
Prior to the 6th century, Lan & Hui flowers were popular ingredients in Chinese incense.
Sichuan Peppers
Another ingredient used in Chinese incense before the 6th century was Sichuan pepper, which was also reserved for important gift-giving occasions for nobility. Sichuan peppers have a sweet and almost floral-like aroma.
Cassia
Cassia was another ingredient used in Chinese incense before the 6th century.
Aloeswood
Aloeswood, also known as agarwood, oud, or jinko, is a key ingredient in many Chinese incense blends. It is formed when parts of the Aquilaria tree are infected, producing a dark resin that causes the previously light wood to become extremely dense. This dense area is called a "fragrant knot" and can sink in water. The longer the fragrant knot has to mature, the more dense, complex, and desirable it becomes.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood, derived from the Santalum tree, is a prized incense ingredient in Chinese incense culture and worldwide for its warm, smooth, and long-lasting fragrance. There are two prominent types of sandalwood used for incense: Indian Sandalwood and Australian Sandalwood.
Camphor and Musk
Camphor and musk became popular ingredients in Chinese incense after the 6th century, alongside aloeswood and sandalwood, due to increased international trade.
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Chinese incense ceremonies: indirect and direct burning methods
Chinese incense ceremonies have a long history, with the earliest documented use of incense coming from ancient China. Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt and is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons.
There are two main types of incense burning methods: indirect and direct. Indirect-burning incense, also known as non-combustible incense, cannot burn on its own and requires a separate heat source. It is typically burned on a hot metal plate in a censer or thurible. In China, a censer called a shǒulú (手爐) in Chinese, is used by several Buddhist traditions. The shǒulú is usually made of brass, with a long handle and no chain. Instead of charcoal, makkō powder is poured into a depression made in a bed of ash, which is then lit, and the incense mixture is burned on top.
Direct-burning incense, also known as combustible incense, is lit directly by a flame. The tip or end of the incense is ignited until it begins to turn into ash, after which the flame is fanned or blown out, leaving the incense to smolder and release its fragrance.
In addition to these two main types, there are various forms of incense used in Chinese ceremonies. These include coils, cones, cored sticks or joss sticks, dhoop or solid sticks, powder, and paper. Coils are commonly produced and used in Chinese cultures and can burn for extended periods, from hours to days. Cones, on the other hand, burn relatively quickly and were invented in Japan in the 1800s. Cored sticks have a supporting core of bamboo coated with incense material, which burns away with the core, and are commonly produced in India and China. Dhoop or solid sticks do not have a bamboo core and are easily broken for portion control. Powder incense is burned on top of wood ash using a stencil, while paper incense is infused with resin or oils, folded accordion-style, and then lit and blown out.
The two most important ingredients in Chinese incense are agarwood and sandalwood. Agarwood is highly valued and can be very expensive, with top-quality agarwood selling for over $1000 per gram. Sandalwood is also commonly used in Chinese incense and is known for its crisp forest aroma. Other common substances found in Chinese incense include cinnamon, lavender, lilies, patchouli, and star anise.
Incense plays an important role in Chinese culture and has been used for religious ceremonies, ancestor veneration, traditional medicine, and daily life for over two thousand years. It is also used in tea ceremonies to purify the room and create a serene atmosphere before the ceremony begins.
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Chinese incense history: ancient China to the Ming and Song Dynasties
The use of incense in China dates back thousands of years, with the practice gaining prominence during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. However, the focus here is on the period from ancient China to the Ming and Song dynasties.
Ancient China
Incense has been an integral part of Chinese culture and history for millennia. The earliest vessels identified as censers or incense burners date back to the mid-fifth to late fourth centuries BCE during the Warring States period. The Chinese word for "incense," "xiang" (香), also encompasses a range of related concepts such as "fragrance," "scent," and "aroma."
The Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a golden age for traditional Chinese poetry, and the poets' obsession with incense meant that it often featured in their works. Intellectuals of this era collected and blended incense, developing their own unique ways of using it. For example, Han Xizai was known for pairing incense with various flowers, while Xu Xuan loved burning incense under the moon. The nobility enjoyed incense as a popular cultural pastime, even constructing rooms specifically for incense ceremonies.
The Ming Dynasty
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), China experienced a period of stability and prosperity, with a booming population and a thriving economy. Incense flourished as an industry and a daily practice. Portugal became a major trading partner, supplying large quantities of incense ingredients such as sandalwood and frankincense. The renowned scholar Zhou Jiazhou compiled a comprehensive guide to incense, including traditional recipes from the Song Dynasty and historical anecdotes related to incense.
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Where to buy Chinese incense: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Etsy, AliExpress, etc
Chinese incense comes in many varieties, from traditional formulas to modern incense art. Traditional Chinese incense is often shaped into small balls instead of sticks and is made from materials like agarwood, cypress, and jiangzhen.
If you're looking to buy Chinese incense, there are several options depending on your location and preferences. Here are some places to consider:
Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its unique incense, with many local brands offering a variety of fragrances. When in Taipei, the underground shopping area at Longshan Temple MRT Station is a great place to start. You'll find numerous incense shops, including brands like 富山香堂 and 誠以善香堂. Another popular brand is Bosen, which offers Tibetan-style incense with complex blends.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a long history of incense production and is particularly known for its agarwood. The Hong Kong Incense Company is a local incense brand and culture centre that offers a variety of incense products made in their own factory. Additionally, Hong Kong Hall has been offering incense-making and incense culture courses since 2017, promoting the traditional incense culture of Hong Kong.
Etsy
Etsy is a global marketplace that offers a wide range of unique and handmade Chinese incense options. You can find everything from vintage-style brass incense burners to ancient Chinese incense sticks with pear essence. Many of the Chinese incense products sold on Etsy also qualify for free shipping.
AliExpress
AliExpress is an online retailer that offers a large selection of Chinese incense, including various brands and types. They often have sales and promotions, making it a great place to find discounts and deals on incense products. It's worth checking for coupons, especially if you're a new user.
Other Options
In addition to the above, you may also explore local specialty stores or online retailers that cater to Chinese cultural products.
Remember to research the types of incense and their appropriate use, especially if you have a specific religious or cultural purpose in mind. Enjoy your incense exploration!
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Frequently asked questions
Chinese incense can come in the form of coils, cored sticks, dhoop or solid sticks, and powder. Coils are extruded and shaped into a coil without a core and can burn for an extended period, from hours to days. Cored sticks have a supporting core of bamboo coated with a thick layer of incense material that burns away with the core. Dhoop or solid sticks are easily breakable and have no bamboo core. Powder incense is typically packed into long trails on top of wood ash and burned in special censers or incense clocks.
Traditional Chinese and Japanese incense are made from all-natural dry ingredients that fall into four main categories: woods, resins, dry animal parts, and dry fruit parts. Woods include sandalwood, Chinese cedar, and nanmu. Resins include frankincense and myrrh. Dry animal parts include musk and shells, and dry fruit parts include citrus peel.
The earliest documented use of incense comes from ancient China, with the first known Chinese aromatics book written approximately 2,500 years ago in the Han Dynasty. The art of incense blending has thousands of years of history in China, with the first known Chinese incense recipe book, called Blended Incense Recipes, written approximately 2,500 years ago. Incense usage reached its peak during the Song Dynasty, with numerous buildings erected specifically for incense ceremonies.
One popular Chinese incense blend is called 鹅梨帐中香, which uses a sweet combination of sandalwood and agarwood. The process involves combining the two wood powders, putting them into a pear, steaming the pear, and drying the content inside. Another popular blend is made from aloeswood, which has a complex and sophisticated scent.
In China, a censer called a shǒulú (手爐) is used by several Buddhist traditions. The shǒulú is usually made of brass, with a long handle and no chain. Makkō powder is poured into a depression made in a bed of ash, and the powder is then lit. The incense mixture is burned on top.
