Collection: Incense Burners

An incense burner, is a device used to hold incense while it burns, releasing its aromatic fragrance. In ancient times, incense was burned directly from natural materials like wood, resins, and herbs, often placed over charcoal. Today, incense is commonly burned in the form of sticks, cones, or spirals. The term "incense burner" refers to a container or stand designed to safely hold the incense during burning, preventing mess and providing a stable base. An incense burner is not only essential for creating a calm, fragrant atmosphere for relaxation, meditation, and spiritual practices, but modern designs have also evolved to serve as stylish home décor pieces.

A Chinese incense burner is typically called a "xianglu" (香炉) in Mandarin. The word is a compound of xiang ("incense, aromatics") and lu (炉, "brazier; stove; furnace"). It is traditionally used for burning incense during rituals, meditation, or cultural ceremonies, and often features intricate designs symbolizing prosperity, peace, and harmony.

A thurible and a censer are both types of incense burners used in religious and ceremonial contexts, but they differ primarily in design and usage.

A thurible is a suspended incense burner, typically used in Christian liturgical practices. It is often attached to chains and swung during rituals to disperse incense smoke. Thuribles are commonly used in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican services, especially during Mass or other sacred ceremonies.

A censer, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any type of incense burner, including thuribles. However, it is more often associated with a smaller, handheld incense burner used in various religious or cultural rituals, such as in Eastern Orthodox or Buddhist practices.

In summary, while both are used to burn incense, a thurible is a specific type of censer designed for swinging, often used in Christian rituals, whereas a censer is a general term for any incense-burning device.

There are several types of incense burners, each designed for different styles of incense and purposes. Here are the most common types:

1. Incense Burners: These are traditional holders for burning incense sticks, cones, or coils. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as metal, ceramic, or wood. These burners typically feature a flat base with a small hole or groove to hold the incense in place while it burns.
2. Incense Holders: Similar to incense burners, incense holders are designed to hold incense sticks and cones securely while they burn. They are usually simpler in design, often small trays or stands, and are meant to catch ash while preventing the incense from tipping over. They come in various materials, including stone, metal, and wood.
3. Backflow Incense Burners: These are specialized incense burners designed to work with backflow incense cones. When the backflow incense cone is lit, the smoke flows downward, creating a visually stunning cascade effect. These burners are often intricately designed and used as both decorative and functional pieces to create a serene atmosphere.
4. Electric Incense Burners: These modern burners use electricity to heat and diffuse the fragrance from incense. They typically use incense oils or solid incense disks, and the heat gently releases the aroma without the need for an open flame. Electric burners are convenient for those seeking a safer and more controlled method of enjoying incense in their space.
5. LED Incense Burners: These are incense burners with modern designs that incorporate LED lighting elements. They combine the calming effect of incense with the visual appeal of ambient lighting, making them perfect for enhancing the atmosphere in your home or office. The LED lighting often adds a relaxing glow that complements the fragrance, creating a more immersive experience.

Each type of incense burner is suited for different kinds of incense and ceremonial uses, and they can also serve as elegant decorative elements in your home or spiritual space.