Anisha Riggs
Incense burning has been a common practice since ancient times, with incense and resins being burned during rituals to invoke the spirits. There are various types of incense burners available, and the choice of vessel depends on the form of incense being used, as some burn hotter than others. For example, incense stoves are used to gently heat single woods, loose resins, or powdered incense mixtures, while Kodo cups and burners are used for sticks, cones, trails, and stoves. Bowl-shaped incense burners are also popular, with long and narrow designs that feature a hole or slot for a stick. The most common materials used for incense burners include stone, ceramic, metal, bronze, and pottery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Stone, ceramic, metal, bronze, pottery, clay, cast iron, silver |
| Design | Bowl-shaped, narrow and long, perforated lid, censer, cauldron, smudge pot, tripod vessel, fountain, stove, cup |
| Safety | Fireproof, lids, legs to raise off surfaces, heat-proof mats |
| Use | Sticks, cones, coils, loose mixtures, resins, powders, pure woods, charcoal |
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What You'll Learn
Incense burners
In the Far East, incense burners were used as a way to tell the time. Worshippers would light incense sticks, which were marked with time increments, and place them in a ritual tripod vessel called a "ting". In China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), a type of vessel known as a hill censer was used. This design became popular during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (141–87 BCE). Hill censers are believed to depict a sacred mountain, with apertures that make the rising smoke look like mist swirling around a mountain peak.
When choosing an incense burner, consider how you want to heat the natural incense materials and whether you need a lid for safety. Some incense burners have handles and legs to make them easier and safer to carry.
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Censers
A censer is a vessel used for burning incense or perfume in solid form. The word "censer" was first documented in English in the mid-13th century, and it is now used mostly in the context of religious or spiritual ceremonies, especially Catholicism. The burning of incense has been a prominent part of religious and spiritual ceremonies, and the censer has come to signify the sacredness of these proceedings.
The earliest vessels identified as censers date back to the mid-fifth to late fourth centuries BCE during the Warring States period. One of the most celebrated early incense burner designs is the hill censer, which became popular during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. These vessels were designed with openings that made the rising incense smoke resemble clouds or mist swirling around a mountain peak. Hindus have traditionally used an earthen censer called a Dhunachi, which has a flared shape with a curved handle and an open top.
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Cauldrons
A cauldron is a great vessel for burning incense. In Celtic mythology, the cauldron is associated with the Goddess Cerridwen and it also represents the womb. It is a traditional cooking pot for both food and medicines, and is also used for burning herbs, incense, resins, incense powders, casting powders and more.
Cast iron cauldrons are a popular choice for burning incense. They are fireproof, and their handles, lids, and legs make them convenient and safe to use. They come in various sizes, with smaller ones being more practical for carrying around and concentrating the incense in the middle. Cast iron cauldrons also have symbolic significance, representing enlightenment and transformation.
When using a cauldron, it is important to place it on a heat-proof surface and keep it away from children, pets, and flammable materials. You can also line the bottom of the cauldron with sand or small rocks to protect the surface from hot charcoal and increase the longevity of your vessel.
In addition to cast iron, stone cauldrons or molcajetes are also suitable for burning incense. They are heatproof and have a rustic, cauldron-like appearance. Limestone, in particular, is a good option as it absorbs heat without transferring it too quickly, reducing the risk of damage to the surface underneath.
Ultimately, any fireproof dish can be used as a vessel for burning incense, as long as it is not made of glass, ceramic, or porcelain, which can crack or shatter from the heat.
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Fireproof vessels
Incense has been burned for centuries, and there are many fireproof vessels to choose from for burning incense.
A popular choice is a cast iron cauldron, which is fireproof and can be used for incense and candles. A smaller cauldron is better as it keeps things concentrated in the middle and is easier to carry about. A handle, legs, and a lid are also useful features to have on a cauldron.
Other fireproof vessels for burning incense include a metal camping bowl, a cast iron bowl, or a cast iron soup pot. A stoneware crock or skillet can also be used, but these are heavy and may be difficult to hold. A fireproof dish will work, but avoid glass, ceramic, or porcelain. A silver dish with a handle is a good option, and you can line the bottom with sand or salt to protect the surface from hot charcoal. A charcoal grill is another option, and it has the added benefit of being portable as it is on wheels.
If you are looking for something small and lightweight, an ashtray is a good option. For something more traditional, a Dhunachi is an earthen censer used by Hindus for burning incense with coal or coconut husk. It has a flared shape with a curved handle and an open top.
Incense burners, or censers, have been used since ancient times and can be made of a variety of materials, from simple earthenware bowls to intricately carved silver or gold vessels.
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Incense stoves
One popular design is the Japanese Kodo-style incense stove, which involves placing a candle in the bottom base and lighting it. The incense, typically sandalwood or aloeswood, is then placed in a small ceramic "incense bowl." This style is perfect for group participation, as the special incense cup is passed around, and people guess the aromatic woods' similarities and differences.
When choosing an incense stove, safety should be a priority. Look for features like lids, handles, and legs that enhance safety and convenience. The lid helps put out the fire, the handle allows for easy carrying, and the legs elevate the stove, protecting the surface underneath from heat damage. Additionally, always use a heat-proof mat under the stove and keep it away from children and flammable materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Vessels for burning incense are called incense burners. They are generally made of fireproof materials such as bronze, pottery, stone, ceramic, or metal. Incense burners come in various forms, including cauldrons, smudge pots, censers, thuribles, and incense fountains or waterfalls.
The hill censer, a type of vessel used during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), is considered one of the most celebrated early incense burner designs. It is believed to depict a sacred mountain, with apertures that make the rising smoke resemble mist around a mountain peak. During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), incense burners were made in two basic forms: a square vessel on four feet with two handles and a circular tripod vessel, both fitted with perforated lids. In the 19th century, large bronze incense burners were crafted in Japan for export, often featuring decorative dragon designs.
It is important to use a fireproof vessel to contain the burning incense and its ashes safely. Bowl-shaped incense burners should have three or more legs to elevate the heat source off any surface. Lids on incense burners can also provide added safety, especially when children or pets are present.
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