Living Tradition: Blessing Incense Tablets from China’s Past

In ancient times, there were four leisurely pursuits, with incense being the most important among them. The ancient Chinese had a profound love for incense; they wore incense tablets and beads daily, perfuming their clothes and bodies, and nurturing their spirits. Using natural spices and herbal plants as materials, one could create an incense tablet with a heart of blessing, suitable for personal use or as a thoughtful gift for family or close friends, which carries a different warmth compared to store-bought gifts.

In this serene and beautiful ‘Art Garden’ of the exhibition Nothing Still About Still Lifes: Three Centuries of Floral Compositions, you can, under the guidance of an intangible cultural heritage instructor, personally blend your favorite spices, mold and shape the clay, and create a unique incense tablet, experiencing the elegance and charm of the ancients. Accompanied by fragrance and using it to express meaning, each incense tablet will pay tribute to traditional culture, and every whiff of fragrance will embody hopes for a beautiful life.