*How to Burn

Resin incense and resin based incense blends generally do not have a combustible fuel source of their own. Some incense powder blends will use saltpeter to maintain combustion. Others simply use large amounts of woody ingredients. This is very common with cone and stick incense.

Most of the incense sold here at Tzu Jan will require the use of a charcoal briquette. Light the charcoal by holding its edge to an open flame.

A candle works best for this as they sometimes take a second to light. The charcoal will spark and sputter a bit when it ignites. This sometimes puts out a candle flame if held too close.

You will see the sparks creeping along the surface of the charcoal when it is lit. Quickly place the charcoal in a censer or thurible, as it will get hot very fast. You may want to hold the charcoal with a pair of tweezers or ritual tongs.

The charcoal is ready when the sparks have made there way across the charcoal and the sputtering becomes quiet. You may now carefully place your incense in the bowl of the charcoal and enjoy pillars of glorious scents.

A censer or a thurible is the traditional vessels used to burn resin incense on charcoals. Charcoals get very, very hot, and if not placed on a metal or extremely heat resistant surface they will burn. Even metal censers get extremely hot and will burn you if touched. They often get hot enough to leave marks on wooden surfaces. Please be careful where you place your burning incense and never leave a lit charcoal unattended.

Censers and Charcoals can be purchased at Tzu Jan incense under the Incense Supplies category.