A "zen" gift idea for you: 5 remarkably creative Chinese Incense
Cultivate Calm with Creative, High-Quality Chinese Incense
In Chinese culture, incense has been much more than just a pleasant aroma or a symbol of status and wealth. It's a mindful tool and ritual, deeply integrated into traditions and favored by poets, artists, and scholars as part of their cultured lives. From religious ceremonies to scholar's studies, the burning of incense has served as a way to focus the mind, create a sense of calm, and connect with something greater.
But this isn't just about beautiful customs – there's real science to back up the power of scent.
Studies like one published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2016 found that exposure to the scent of lavender oil could significantly reduce anxiety in patients undergoing dental procedures. Similarly, research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience in 2013 showed that inhaling the aroma of rosemary essential oil could improve cognitive function and memory in healthy elderly adults. The fragrance of certain incense ingredients, like sandalwood and frankincense, has even been linked to feelings of happiness and satisfaction, according to a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology.
Intrigued by the idea of harnessing the power of scent to boost well-being? Imagine gifting a loved one, a business associate, or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, with a truly unique and elevated sensory experience.
In today's newsletter, I want to share a collection of f 5 remarkably creative, high-quality Chinese incense that I discovered. (The last one has truly been a game-changer for my sleep. As someone who suffers from chronic anxiety, the aroma has been incredibly helpful.)
These incenses blend the rich heritage of traditional rituals with modern design aesthetics. They can be a powerful tool to promote mental and physical well-being, fostering a sense of calm and inner peace. Get ready to explore some truly exceptional varieties of Chinese incense, and discover the perfect option to spark joy (and maybe a touch of mindfulness) for someone truly special!
No 5. The essential oil diffuser inspired by the dragonfly.
This incense diffuser is designed by an independent designer's studio called 'Poetic Object' in China. The design is inspired by a dragonfly, and you would drip essential oils onto the diffuser as if a dragonfly were touching the flower. Truly a creative and poetic design with a great connection to nature!
I think the best thing is you can use your own essential oils, so it's easy to switch out the aroma as your mood changes.
In some parts of China, dragonflies are seen as symbols of prosperity and good fortune, especially concerning finances. They can also represent harmony and balance (just imagine how a dragonfly can maintain a balanced posture!).
Last week, I sent this incense diffuser as a gift to one of my friends who just opened her psychological counseling studio. I thought this was a great idea for her as she just started a new business!
No 4. The incense inspired by Chinese landscape paintings
Also designed by the 'Poetic Object' studio, this incense is inspired by Chinese landscape painting, which utilizes ink to capture landscapes and is aesthetically appealing for its fluid and serene state of flow.
The incense utilizes smoke as ink and time as the brush, transforming the landscape painting into a fragrant and meditative experience. (The incense burner stand has ebony wood and maple wood options, and maple wood is one of my personal favorites)
No 3. The incense inspired by the sea of clouds
I found this amazing handmade incense made from black walnut and cherry wood, inspired by the sea of clouds. As you light up the incense, the smoke flows through the mountain surface, as if you are standing on top of the mountain and looking at the sea of clouds. This is a perfect addition to the office if you are looking for something that conveys a sense of grandeur and serenity.
The best thing I like is that the incense is entirely handmade and processed with Chinese lacquer craftsmanship, a legacy technique dating back thousands of years. It uses pure natural lacquer to preserve the incense stand.
No 2. The incense that lets you feel the passage of time
Another truly creative incense I found! This incense is shaped like a clock, and as you light it, you can truly feel the passage of time. Incense has long been a meditative tradition and used in rituals. What else could be a better gift than this, which reminds you of time passing as you watch the incense burn? What an immersive experience!
It can also be used as a minimalist flower arrangement stand, giving such a zen feeling.
No 1. Perform the incense ritual yourself (this saves my sleep, for real)
For me personally, simply watching someone engage in a meditative ritual never quite hits the mark (and sometimes, it draws me in even more). To truly reach a state of relaxation, I feel the need to actively participate in the meditative practice myself. What could be better than personally conducting the incense ritual to fully immerse myself in a meditative state of mind?
The traditional Chinese incense ritual includes various steps, each inviting me to engage my senses fully: savoring the aroma, listening to the gentle crackle, and watching the wisps of smoke in a tranquil state of mind.
You'll want to crank up the volume for this video! (It promises to deliver the most soothing ASMR moment of your day). Traditional incense burners come in a variety of craftsmanship and materials (jade, bronze, ceramics, enamel - the options are endless. I got the jade lotus incense burner that feels incredibly smooth and lustrous to the touch.)
I've made it a part of my daily routine to incorporate this incense ritual just before I hit the hay (it takes about 5 minutes to prepare). It's been a game-changer in helping me drift off to sleep more easily. The soft sound of pressing the ash powder is pure bliss (especially for someone like me who grapples with chronic anxiety — it's a true ASMR moment). This ritual really clears my mind after a hectic day, allowing me to distance myself from all the triggers that exacerbate my anxiety (like excessive screen time :( )
These items will soon be available on my online buyer store, Amber Sealed, where I only feature high-quality products made by independent designers and legacy craftsmen.
Let me know which one is your favorite :)
If you're enjoying my content, please consider sharing this post with your friends and colleagues who are exploring creative gift ideas and unique presents that enhance mental well-being and promote a cultured lifestyle. I'm turning this into a bi-weekly series dedicated to discovering creative and high-quality, one-of-a-kind products!
Quick announcement: Amber’s side project “Amber Sealed”!
I recently launched my side project, an online boutique called "Amber Sealed," which curates a personal selection of handmade and traditional craftsmanship from some of the most inventive communities in China. I enjoy talking with independent artists, designers, and craftsmen and hearing their stories and inspirations behind their creations. Motivated by these interactions, I envisioned an online platform that would bring these artisanal treasures, each combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, to a wider audience.
None of the items in my store are mass-produced or can be bought through Amazon or Temu. Human efforts and intentions matter more than ever in the age of AI and automation. We are empowering artisans and preserving ancient crafts with every purchase.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on my idea to hunt for non-mass-produced, handmade, and artisan pieces with lasting beauty :) I currently ship to North America, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. You are also welcome to follow my Instagram, where I post pictures and reels to spotlight creative things if you prefer visual content.
Store link: https://www.ambersealed.com/
