{"id":5343,"date":"2022-03-15T14:29:56","date_gmt":"2022-03-15T14:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pagodared.com\/blog\/?p=5343"},"modified":"2022-03-16T17:44:01","modified_gmt":"2022-03-16T17:44:01","slug":"art-incense-cinnamon-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pagodared.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/15\/art-incense-cinnamon-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Incense with Cinnamon Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

A beautiful object creates a moment, whether it\u2019s a sculpture that draws you into conversation or a Qing peachbloom vase filled with complementing peonies. Few objects, however, create the impact of an incense censer<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>Alone, a great censer, also known as a burner, is an objet d\u2019art. But alight with fragrant, gentle incense, the censer transforms its surroundings and delights the senses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sophisticated, design-forward possibilities of incense are epitomized by Cinnamon Projects<\/a>,\u00a0a New York-based studio founded in 2014 by husband team Andrew Cinnamon and Charlie Stackhouse. Their evocative incense \u2014 named for times of the day and chic cities like Los Angeles and Milan \u2014 are favorites of ours. By moving beyond traditional notes like frankincense to incorporate hints of mandarin, iris, vetiver, and more, Cinnamon Projects has updated incense into a sensory wonder for modern aesthetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cinnamon Projects founders Andrew Cinnamon and Charlie Stackhouse<\/p><\/div>\n

When we spoke to Andrew recently, he cited the storied history of incense as one of Cinnamon Projects\u2019 inspirations, sharing that he and Charlie were \u201cdrawn to incense out of fascination and respect for its enduring role in sacred rituals dating back to ancient times.\u201d Spanning continents and civilizations, such spiritual rituals are accompanied by traditional implements and accessories, each a one-of-a-kind work of art that beautifully marries form and function. For decades, it has been a delight to explore and collect these marvelous objects, from elegant <\/span>bronze bowls<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to brightly-glazed and spirited <\/span>pagodas<\/span><\/a>, and imagine all the stories they have to tell. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Sancai Fu Dog Burners<\/a> with 7AM incense by Cinnamon Projects<\/p><\/div>\n

Recently we found a pair of joyful 19th-century <\/span>fu dogs<\/span><\/a>, known as benevolent protectors in China, that would have been placed on a family altar. Today, they can be gracious guardians for a meditation space, and come to life paired with black tea-and-marigold infused 7AM incense sticks from Cinnamon Projects.\u00a0Another found from the same era are a pair of red lacquer pillars with gilt <\/span>celestial dragons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and phoenix, traditional symbols of everlasting love.<\/span>\u00a0Further the mood with Cinnamon Projects’ 12AM incense.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pillar Burners<\/a> adorned with bats & clouds, circa 1900<\/p><\/div>\n

An unusual find in our collection is this pair of early 20th-century\u00a0<\/span>pillar burners<\/span><\/a>. Mounted as stand-alone sculptures, these columns are encircled by bats amid abstract clouds, Chinese symbols of luck and good fortune. Add the incense when dinner is over for a glamorous night at home \u2014 especially with one of the seductive evening blends from Cinnamon Projects. Our current favorite: 2AM, a blend of cedar, honey, vetiver, and cinnamon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wabi Sabi Incense Vessel<\/a>, circa 1900<\/p><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve kept this\u00a0<\/span>wabi sabi vessel<\/span><\/a> tucked away.\u00a0<\/span>It carries the depth and texture we crave in our digitally immersed lives. It’s earthy form brings us closer to nature, yet still offers a nod to the modern frills we love. Fill it with sand or collected pebbles and pair it with 4PM from Cinnamon Projects to transport yourself to that sensitive and connected place we all love to go.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lotus Leaf Incense Storage Box<\/a>, circa 1850<\/p><\/div>\n

This intricately carved rosewood <\/span>storage box<\/span><\/a> with a sliding lid is the perfect luxurious hiding place for Cinnamon Projects incense or other favorite charms. We imagine the artist, over a century ago, designing its floral fretwork to complement the mood created by mesmerizing, endless vines of incense smoke. We invite this precious object, created by a thoughtful hand far away, onto our own modern altar and respect the art of drifting clouds, a beauty common to us all.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

An early 20th-century <\/span>cixi tray<\/span><\/a>\u00a0invites a suite of well-selected incense paraphernalia. We imagine it back in the day beside an animated\u00a0altar spirit, an austere bronze censer and a petite<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>meditation stone<\/span><\/a>. Crafted and blended by hand, Easy Tiger by Cinnamon Projects makes the moment modern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bronze Censor with Strap Handles<\/a> burns Easy Tiger incense by Cinnamon Projects<\/p><\/div>\n

While incense and its rituals have ancient roots, Andrew points out that \u201cincense, beyond simply a clean and malleable canvas for scent, supports an opportunity for modern mindfulness and intention setting.\u201d We couldn\u2019t agree more. The alluring aroma winding upwards from a centuries-old censer demands a moment of pause and allows the past to elevate our everyday lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Art of Incense<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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