In Aristotle’s De Anima, the soul is said to be the essence of life, and the body the instrument through which the soul makes sense of the world. From this very concept, the big five of perception were born: the senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, grasping signals from our surroundings to interpret and create a conscious experience.
Of these, the most primitive and powerful sensory faculty is smell, with its seamless connection to memory and emotions. Clear linkages are drawn between subjects and their scents—earthiness in the air hinting at impending rainfall, the unexplainably intoxicating aroma when you bury your nose in the pages of a book, or a distinguishing whiff of a familiar person.
With scent being such a prominent marker of identity, it is only natural to be mindful of the odours associated with ourselves, including those of our abode. The home fragrance market has burgeoned in effect, with a rising entrant to the scene: aromatic incense.
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There is more to these simple, unassuming sticks than meets the eye. While long associated with religious practices in our local region, incense now takes new life as an alternative home fragrance item with robust wellness appeals. Elevate your space, boost your mood and clear your mind from negative energy all at once with soothing scents extracted from exotic ingredients.
Extinguish concerns of smoke filling up an enclosed area, as most aromatic incense sticks—such as Aesop’s Murasaki, Kagerou and Sarashina Aromatique Incense—are organically and sustainably produced without a bamboo core to emit cleaner fragrance. To accessorise the home with extra artisanal charm, holders come beautifully crafted in various shapes and forms.
To say that aromatic incense is just another sweet smell is an understatement. Rather, it aerates a new lifestyle to modern subscribers of conscious mindfulness. Here, Vogue Singapore noses out the trendiest incense and accessories to imbue your home with meaningful fragrance, below.
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Aesop Aromatique Incense: Sarashina
Named after female Japanese authors well-known during the Heian period, Aesop’s aromatic incense offerings are crafted in Japan by a centuries-old incense atelier. As a welcome bonus, it comes with a Kanuma pumice incense holder.
Aesop Sarashina Aromatique Incense, $53, is available at Aesop.
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Aesop Bronze Incense Holder
These asymmetrical incense holders are individually crafted and cast in bronze, a picture of poise suitable for any interior, table-setting, hearth or bookshelf.
Aesop Bronze Incense Holder, $210, is available at Aesop.
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Stupa Incense: Nag Champa
Socially and environmentally-conscious Stupa Incense takes inspiration from traditions and nature when producing these handmade aromas. Comprised of locally-sourced herbs in the Kathmandu valley, the calming scent of Nag Champa is suitable for meditation and yoga practices.
Stupa Incense Nag Champa Incense, $10.90, is available at The WYLD Shop.
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Stillgoods Horizon Incense Holder in Cream Marble
Elongated and sleek, this durable, multi-functional marble creation handcrafted in Indonesia can be used as an incense holder, ikebana stand, stationery holder and accessories tray.
Stillgoods Horizon Incense Holder in Cream Marble, $65, is available at The WYLD Shop.
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Atmosphere Incense: Minorien Kunpu Agarwood Jinko
For a contemporary pick, try Atmosphere Incense’s accord: Kunpu Agarwood Jinko, a pleasant fusion of two Agarwood varieties sourced from Thailand and Indonesia. Intense woodiness, subtle herbal hints, and fine balsamic nuances waft through the air.
Atmosphere Incense Minorien Kunpu Agarwood Jinko, $69.90, is available at Atmosphere Incense.
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P.F. Candle Co. Incense Cones: Dusk
This Los Angeles-based home fragrance company creates high quality and accessible fragrance products while maintaining its vegan and cruelty-free stance. With mysterious and dreamy notes of clary sage, iris, and palo santo, Dusk incense cones are perfect for unwinding on a weeknight.
P.F. Candle Co. Dusk Incense Cones, $38, are available at Mellowover.
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Paddywax Chiminea
Flameless fragrances have never existed more adorably than in this incense cone burner made of strong terracotta. 20 palo santo & sage incense cones are included in box.
Paddywax Chiminea, $40, are available at Mellowover.
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Paddywax Holiday Townhouse
Straight out of a festive Christmas village scene, this townhouse incense cone holder comes with 20 bergamot and teak incense cones in a giftable box with luxe gold foiling.
Paddywax Holiday Townhouse, $33, is available at Mellowover.
