About Incense
Incense burners are used for burning incense, aromatic herbs, wood and other substances to clean and purify the air. Traditionally incense burners have been made from wood, ceramic, shell, metal and other natural materials. Not much has changed and these continue to be the favored materials in modern times.
The use of incense itself is ancient, though the history is somewhat obscure. Some of the earliest known references to incense are in the Vedas, which indicate that the use of incense is somewhere between 6500 and 8500 years old, and possibly much older. The Ancient Indus Civilization is known to have used incense burners in their religious rituals and for the benefits of burning aromatics (masking odors). The Chinese are known to have used incense since the Neolithic (stone age) times.
Incense was used ritualistically and to counteract unpleasant odors. The use of incense was prevalent throughout much of the ancient world, and much value was placed on the aromatic herbs, gums and woods used to make incense. Traditionally, a wide variety of materials have been used in the making of incense, with a preference on local materials. However, the trading of incense making materials along the Silk Road was a major part of early commerce and some of these materials were considered more valuable than gold (by weight).
In modern times, incense continues to be used in religious ceremonies, ritual purification, aromatherapy, meditation and for creating mood and masking unpleasant odors.
The making of incense is done with varied techniques, with many varieties and materials available, but consists of two main types:
Direct burning (combustible) and indirect burning (non-combustible). Direct burning incense will continue to burn after being lit whereas indirect burning incense requires the use of outside heat, such as a piece of charcoal to burn.
Some well-known types of incense include:
- Chinese incense
- Indian incense
- Jerusalem temple incense
- Tibetan incense
- Japanese incense
- Native American smudge sticks.
Many of the traditional materials used in incense manufacturing continue to be used in modern times, including:
Cedar, Sandalwood, Cypress, Juniper, Cinnamon, Coriander, Star Anise, Vanilla, Nutmeg, Amber, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sage, Bay Leaf, Clove, Lavender, Saffron, Rose, Ambergris, and Musk.
De Baun Fine Ceramics is proud to be part of this ancient and varied tradition. We offer many fine bowls and incense burners for use in burning incense and smudge sticks of different varieties and we make all our own pieces here in the USA.
Our handmade, incense burners are made from clay, fired at 1800 degrees and are available in many raku and oxidation glazes. Being ceramic, they are naturally heat resistant and the perfect choice for burning incense.
We offer many ancient and new age inspired designs to chose from, including:
Goddess Isis, Goddess Hecate, Dragonfly, Wolf, Dragon, Bodhi Leaf, Lotus Flower, Oak Leaf, Celtic Spiral, Fairies, Triple Moon, Cats, Sacred Geometry and more.
Our handmade raku fired incense burners and bowls are available in 3 sizes:
Our incense burner hold a variety of incense types
More information about our raku fired, handmade Incense Burner Collection
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