Aromatherapy is an increasingly popular means to engage in self-care.
Whether it be through pressure-point fragrances, extra-large candles, or electric diffusers, it seems as though there are more and more ways of inhaling in those precious natural scents during your morning and evening meditation sesh, or throughout the Shavasana stage of your at-home yoga work-out.
Yet there is one ancient aromatherapy material which has stood the test of time. The burning of incense dates back to biblical times and is thought to have originated in Egypt for religious and spiritual ceremonies as an oblation. Incense is made from entirely natural materials, composed of grains of resin derived from fragrant gum trees that grow in Africa’s most mountainous regions.
This resin is often mixed with spices and essential oils to augment its olfactory power. Though sometimes spread across lighted charcoal to release its fragrance, or packed into a thurible during Catholic ceremonies in particular, incense is most often packed onto and burned via a bamboo stick – known as a joss stick. An alternative, common means of burning incense is via a raw, cone-shaped dhoop, which is commonly placed in a chambered incense holder. That’s right, incense has a much richer history than those mischievous basement scenes in That 70’s show suggest.
Re-popularised by the hippie movement throughout the late 60s and early 70s, incense became associated with stoner-culture and the Woodstock crew for an extended period of time. But in the modern day, incense has been reclaimed as a vehicle for engaging in spiritual practices and aromatherapy.
If you’re just starting to get into the practice of burning incense and are looking for a stylish holder for your foss sticks or dhoops, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a selection of the best incense holders currently on the market.
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Maison Balzac Amber Pebble Glass Incense Holder
Delicate, minimal, and yet full of mid-century modern character, this incense holder from Maison Balzac comes in an array of colourways – including a translucent rose pink, snow white and our personal favourite, amber. Measuring just 5.6cm wide, this gorgeous piece won’t steal the show but will certainly make a fantastic addition to your coffee or side table. By alone or in a two-piece set alongside some Mason Balzac incense sticks.
Buy now £25.00, La Gent
Astier de Villatte Serena Incense Holder
Expertly hand-crafted by Tibetan crafstman using black terracotta clay through taditional Roman methods, we adore the sculptural beauty of this piece. It almost looks as though someone has removed the hand from one of Michaelangelo’s statues and delicately placed an incence stick between its fingers.
Buy now £285.00, Abask
Dumpling Incense Burner
Just looking at this adorable dumpling incense holder makes us smile. It is designed to burn incense dhoops which, once covered, release a delicate stream of fragranced smoke. This is filtered through the small hole in the top of the smiley dumpling cover, which makes it look like a fresh steaming bun straight out of the oven. Too cute. This set also comes with four dhoops included.
Buy now £10.00, Urban Outfitters
Hand Crafted White Lotus Flower Porcelain Incense Holder
In Hinduism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment, beauty, purity, prosperity and eternity. Whether your incense-burning habits have roots in spiritualism, or you simply enjoy the idea of referencing the history of incense during your practice, we think this handmade ceramic lotus flower incense holder is simply beautiful.
Buy now £24.96, Etsy
Foot Incense Holder Natural
Designed by Californian lifestyle brand General Admission, this delightfully playful incense holder makes a fantastic stand-alone décor piece for any home. The fact that it also functions as an incense holder is simply a happy coincidence. Made in Jalisco, Mexico by skilled artisans, this natural-hued vessel is made from 100 per cent earth clay with a shiny glazed finish.
Buy now £55.00, Couverture & The Garbstore
‘Welcome Drink’ Travel Incense Tin
We adore the practicality of this portable, vintage-inspired incense tin which spiritually minded incense enjoyers can take on the go. Considering the fact that the set comes with 70 incense sticks and a clip for up to 20 minutes of easy burning, we think this set comes as an incredibly reasonable price point and would make an excellent birthday gift.
Buy now £18.50, Dowse
Incense Stick Holder With Stick Storage
Another practical piece of incense kit, we like how this holder is sightly larger than most – measuring 19 x 8.5 x 2cm. Created in Burnham using sustainable polymer plaster known as Jesmonite, this holder also comes in biodegradable packaging and is coated in a waterproof sealant, making it easy to wipe down once your foss stick has been used up.
Buy now £17.50, NOTHS
Rose Quartz Crystal Incense Holder
This crystal incense holder is a fabulous choice for the extra spiritual lot among us. Indeed, many people choose to use crystals during their meditative practice, and combining the powerful, natural mineral with aromatherapy is believed to help focus intentions and help with manifestations. Choose between amethyst for stress relief, rose quartz for love, and clear quartz for warding off negative energy.
Buy now £6.00, Lisa Angel
Story Mfg. Incense Holder - Cauliflower
These handmade, ceramic incense holders are made using local Indian clay and glazed with natural materials to achieve an earthy effect. Technically designed as a travel incense holder, there’s nothing stopping you form keeping this spectacular, spiral piece in permanent residency on your countertop.
Buy now £15.00, Story Mfg.
