About VEIL Incense

Where 3,000 Years of Chinese Incense Wisdom Breathes Anew

Roots in Imperial China

"Through green gauze veils the incense wafts its scent; The golden burner still glows with flowers’ intent."
― Li Shangyin (9th c. Tang Dynasty Poet)

VEIL was born in a 200-year-old incense workshop in Fujian’s Yongchun County. Our founder apprenticed under a master of Minnan Natural Incense Craftsmanship — a Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage — learning the ancient art of blending eaglewood, sandalwood, and herbs using the "sovereign, minister, envoy" principle from classical pharmacopeia.

Witnessing synthetic fragrances flood the market, we committed to preserving authentic Chinese incense culture: not Japanese kōdō, but a lineage from the Yellow Emperor’s Canon to the Song Dynasty’s Chen’s Compendium of Incense. We bring the breath of China’s sacred botanicals to the world.

Legacy in Every Grain

Seasons Dictate Scents
Following Ming Dynasty texts, we adhere to seasonal alchemy:

  • Spring: Eaglewood (wild Aquilaria sinensis from Hainan rainforests)
  • Summer: Sandalwood (30+ year Mysore Santalum album)
  • Autumn: Chrysanthemum (wild-harvested from Jiuhua Mountain)
  • Winter: Osmanthus (golden blossoms from Guangxi)

The Six Sacred Steps

  1. Pounding: Crushing resins in Qing-dynasty stone mortars (iron-free to preserve subtle qi)
  2. Grinding: Slow-rolling in Jingdezhen ceramic mills (speed mimicking Tai Chi flow)
  3. Sifting: Filtering through Xiangfei bamboo sieves (until "finer than rice dust")
  4. Binding: Uniting with artisanal honey (zero synthetic binders)
  5. Sealing: Pressing into Song-era motifs (reviving 12th c. "Heart Sutra Seal")
  6. Aging: Curing in terracotta jars (49 days underground for full awakening)

Ritual as Philosophy

"Incense ash falls like snow in the lamp’s dying light; In silent contemplation, all dualities take flight."
― Su Shi (11th c. Song Dynasty Poet)

Our Xiangzhuan Ritual Kits are tangible Chinese wisdom:

  • Seals as Symbols: 百福 "Hundred Fortunes" (abundance)・蓮花 "Lotus" (purity)・八卦 "Bagua" (insight)
  • Burning as Meditation: Observing smoke patterns reveals the mind’s whispers
  • Ash to Life: Included Incense Garden Guide transforms residue into plant nourishment (embracing nature’s cycle)

Guardians of the Grove

  • Tree Guardian Initiative: Each kit sold protects ancient cypresses in Sichuan’s sacred mountains
  • Living Heritage Program: Partnering with The Met Museum to host Song Dynasty sensory workshops
  • Zero-Waste Craft: Packaging with Xuān paper + paulownia wood (plastic-free since 2021)

Whispers from Our Community

"Lighting the 'Mountain Mist' seal at dawn connects me to poets who walked China’s misty peaks a thousand years ago."
― Elena, Architect (Paris)

"Creating the 'Phoenix' pattern taught me that beauty emerges when we honor slowness."
― David, Therapist (San Francisco)

Begin Your Incense Journey！