I've had four incense coils. They're a little fiddly to set up, and are best with a purpose built stand; though when I've mislaid my stand, I've made do with all manner of
Heath Robinson contraptions. They always come with two spirals together, so the first thing you have to do is break them apart and untangle them. Easier said than done! I love the idea and look of them. Though I've not yet found a good one. Or, at least, one that I liked. They are generally sandalwood based, and I tend not to get on with wood based incense - though, as I've been exploring a lot of
Chinese and
Japanese incense recently, which are both very wood based, I have been learning how to burn and appreciate wood based incense. I find it helps not to get too close to the burning incense (this is generally true of most incense, though particularly so for wood based) as otherwise the smell of the burning wood will intrude on the intended scent - indeed, in many cases will not just intrude, but will dominate. So, light, and then place the incense at the far end of the room. Ensure there is some ventilation, but not too much. Relax and wait.
There is an attractive image on the paper disc which is the cover of the circular plastic container. It's possibly an image of extruded incense being made, and left out to dry. Google Lens translates the text as Lavender and Traditional Craft. There is the faintest edge of a scent on the cool coil - like an old, dried up sliver of lavender soap, plus some dried apple, and old wool. The scent on the burn is really delicate (unless you get close, in which case it's a firmer scent of wood). The scent is soap, dried lavender, and a light fruit, some sweetness. It is there, and it is pleasant, though it has to be among the most delicate of incense scents I've experienced. I only notice it because I've decided to be positive about all Asian incense, as I think I've previously been too negative, and with a glass half empty attitude, so I have been too dismissive, and missed the point that Asian scents are not just wood based, but also very delicate. This is in marked contrast to Indian incenses, and those incenses which have been influenced by Indian. My world has been dominated by Indian incenses, so it has taken me a long while to get tuned into the quieter world of Asian incense. I much prefer the style of Indian incense, but I am working hard on understanding this quieter world of subtle, delicate incense.
I suppose a culture produces and likes a style of incense that reflects themselves and their society. India is hot, colourful, noisy, bright, chatty and approachable. China is more ordered and quiet and polite.
Anyway. I like the scent of this incense, and that it lingers pleasantly for at least 12 hours afterwards. I like the coil shape. And I like that the incense is bringing me closer to the culture and traditions of China. But it is very faint. And if I get too close or too impatient what I get is scorched wood. I doubt that this is a quality incense in China. I suspect that this is an everyday incense. Possibly a budget incense. It's OK. It does it's job at a fair price. It's not an incense that is rocking my world, but I could see myself setting up five or six of these on coil stands around a large room to give gentle wafts of light, fruity lavender, and to be visually interesting. I think that would be cool when having guests round.
Date: March 2025 Score: 25/50
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