Aluminum Incense Holder
Role: Designer
Scope: Concept Design, Product Design
Rooted in the quiet rituals of daily life, this incense holder was conceived as a functional object that elevates the ephemeral. Inspired by Aesop’s Incense Holder, this reinterpretation honors form, simplicity, and sensory experience while introducing a subtle shift in utility and expression.
I designed an incense holder to bring into any space within a home, it brings together the tactile strength of aluminum with a poetic silhouette that complements its surroundings without overtaking them.
Initial InspirationOne of the common frustrations with burning incense is the mess left behind. I set out to design a holder that not only catches falling ash elegantly but also allows for easy, intuitive cleanup. The goal was to create a form that feels purposeful and refined complementing the Aesop brand while introducing a subtle functional twist.
I was particularly inspired by Aesop’s incense packaging, its compact size, stackable form, and minimalist presence. I aimed to design a complementary accessory that mirrors this thoughtful approach.
The packaging for the holder follows a similar logic: small, easy to grip with one hand, and effortless to store or display. Together, both product and packaging are designed to integrate into a wide range of environments without disrupting the aesthetic of the space.
DesignThe form centers around a incense, elevating it from the dish that supports a single stick of incense, with ash gracefully captured below. The subtle lift gives the ashes a stage, evoking the abstract shape. This small gesture solves a common problem: mess. It makes cleanup intuitive and effortless, reinforcing the calm that incense rituals promise.
Crafted from aluminum, the object feels light yet grounded. The material allows for ease of movement while naturally aging with use, offering a personal patina over time. The silhouette balances mass and delicacy, anchoring the holder while allowing it to disappear into a space.
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