The Art of Holding Fire: A Guide to Incense Holders

The Art of Holding Fire: A Guide to Incense Holders

In every incense ritual, there’s a quiet object that does more than it seems. It doesn’t burn, it doesn’t scent the air—but it grounds the experience. We’re talking about the incense holder—the humble, often beautiful tool that supports your ritual from beginning to end.

At SomaScents, we see incense holders not just as accessories, but as essential pieces of ritual design. Whether made from stone, ceramic, or metal, incense holders embody function, form, and a sense of timeless presence. In this article, we’ll explore their history, different types, the benefits they offer, and how to care for them so they become lasting companions in your ritual life.

A Brief History: From Sacred Fire to Personal Ritual

The use of incense can be traced back over 5,000 years, spanning cultures from ancient Egypt and India to China, Japan, and Europe. And wherever incense was burned, there was always a vessel to hold it.

One of the most well-known historical incense holders is the thurible—a metal censer used in Christian liturgies, often suspended by chains and swung by a priest. The thurible allowed for safe burning of resins and powders, dispersing fragrant smoke throughout churches as a symbol of purification, blessing, and prayer. Its roots lie in earlier Roman and Byzantine rituals and have parallels in Taoist, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions as well.

In East Asia, incense burners evolved into intricately designed censers, often made of bronze or ceramics. 

A 2013 study has shown that the kōro (香炉) in Japanese evolved into both a religious tool and an artistic object, with various forms suited for different types of incense, including wood chips and powdered blends used in the refined practice of Kōdō, or “The Way of Incense.” 

Today, the incense holder continues to reflect these spiritual origins while evolving to fit modern homes, practices, and aesthetics.


Types of Incense Holders: Designed for Different Needs

Just as incense comes in different forms, so do the holders. Choosing the right one depends on what you’re burning and how you like to experience the ritual.

1. Stick Holders

These are designed for incense sticks, which may have bamboo cores or be coreless. Holders range from minimalist flat trays with a single hole to decorative ceramic dishes with ash-catching grooves. Some brands use gemstones to make incense holders, such as SomaScents

2. Cone Holders

Cone incense requires a flat, heat-resistant surface that allows the cone to smoulder evenly while catching the ash. These holders are often small bowls, plates, or sculpted bases made from stone, ceramic, or metal. Some include carved platforms or raised points for better airflow.

3. Backflow Burners

Specially designed for backflow incense cones, these holders have intricate pathways for the smoke to “flow down” like mist or water. The effect is visually stunning, and the holder’s shape (often a mountain, waterfall, or temple form) plays a big role in the overall experience.

4. Charcoal and Resin Burners

For burning raw resins like frankincense or myrrh, you’ll need a charcoal burner—often made of brass or ceramic with a mesh or open bowl design. These are paired with sand or ash for insulation, and sometimes a lid or vented cover for smoke control.



Why Use an Incense Holder? More Than Just Practical

An incense holder does more than prevent ash from falling on your table. It adds structure, intention, and beauty to your ritual. Here’s why it matters:

  • Safety First: Incense holders provide a stable, fire-resistant surface that protects your furniture and surroundings from embers and falling ash.
  • Aesthetic Harmony: A thoughtfully chosen holder adds to the atmosphere of your space. It can elevate your altar, complement your décor, and become a daily object of beauty.
  • Ritual Structure: Placing your incense into a holder marks the beginning of the ritual. It helps you mentally shift gears—from busyness to presence.
  • Burn Optimisation: Good holders ensure the incense burns evenly and completely, allowing the scent to unfold as it was intended.
  • Symbolism: In many traditions, the incense holder represents the body—supporting the flame of spirit or breath. It becomes a quiet metaphor for our own groundedness.

How to Care for Your Incense Holder

Like any cherished object, incense holders benefit from regular care. Here’s how to keep them looking beautiful and working well:

  • Clean frequently. Wipe away ash and resin residue with a soft cloth after each use. For ceramic or stone holders, a damp cloth usually works; avoid harsh cleaners.
  • Empty ash trays regularly. If your holder collects ash, make sure to empty it before buildup affects the incense's burn quality.
  • Use sand or felt padding. If your holder gets hot during use (especially with charcoal), protect underlying surfaces with a heat-resistant mat or sand.
  • Polish metal holders. Brass or bronze holders may tarnish over time. A gentle polish can restore their luster, or you may choose to let them age naturally.
  • Store safely. When not in use, keep your holder somewhere clean and dust-free—especially if it’s made of natural materials like unglazed clay or carved wood.


Choosing a Holder That Feels Like You

Just like choosing a scent, selecting your incense holder is a personal experience. Some may be drawn to minimalist forms that disappear into their space. Others may seek handcrafted, symbolic pieces that reflect tradition, art, or spirit.

At SomaScents, our incense holders are curated not just for function, but for how they make you feel. They are the starting point of your ritual—the quiet object that says: This moment is yours.

Closing Thoughts: A Vessel for Presence

Incense holders may seem like simple tools, but they carry centuries of ritual, reverence, and design in their form. They cradle the burning heart of your incense ritual—catching the ash, shaping the flame, and reminding you to pause.

Whether you're lighting a cone to clear your mind or burning a stick during morning reflection, the holder is there to support your intention—silently, beautifully, and with purpose.

Back to blog