Censers and their use

[peterp]

This is meant to introduce censers to readers from non-Asian cultures where incense is not commonly used. (Note: the term is 'censer' not 'censor')

Basically there are two types of censers. Those for incense sticks usually have no lid and can be from tiny, fitting into a hand, to very large basins. The latter type may contain sand into which the burning incense sticks are stuck. Censers for powder incense may or may not have a lid with holes. Both are used in ceremonies, temples, or for air purification.

Apart from these the lidded censers had a more worldly purpose in China's distant past, namely for scenting clothes and hats, etc. As in other places clothes were not washed as frequently then, thus the incense served the removal of disagreeable odor.


















in China, those which have a lid with