Making incense sticks as a form of home fragrance and self companion has been a long tradition since ancient dynasties in China. The act of burning spices started during the Spring and Autumn period (770 BC–221 BC), and was used in worship ceremonies and epidemic eliminations.
Starting from the Han dynasty, due to the personal interest of the emperor and the variety of new spices introduced into China through the Silk Road trading, the act of spice burning and incense creation had developed rapidly.
People started to experiment with different spices and figured out the scent and effects of burning spices, and gradually started to develop incense recipes that combine different spices with specific amounts to maximize a harmonious and pleasant scent experience, and even used to supplement treatment with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
As time moves into Tang and Song dynasty, the practice of incense creation is already well-spread and mature, during which lots of traditional incense recipes are created for different purposes beyond its initial usage, including scenting one’s clothes, accompanying reading and writing, creating the atmosphere during guest visits, etc.
Some of such traditional incense recipes are recorded in books with ingredients and stories behind. Most of such recipes are blended scent (hexiang 合香), designed to create a more in-depth sensory experience with multiple ingredients and scents working together.
We would love to introduce you to some of the most famous ones that INCENZO’s incense follows! Stay tuned on our blog for the history behind these traditional Chinese recipes!