Qingmiao Xiang Incense Peace Lock Necklace

1.TheStory Behind the Insence Peace Lock Necklance

In Chinese tradition, the “peace lock” traces its origins back to the Han Dynasty’s longevity thread. Historically, it was seen as a symbol of protection. Over centuries, this evolved into a cherished amulet gifted by elders to wish for safety, health, and longevity. This peace lock carries this millennia-old blessing, transforming ancient prayers into a wearable piece of cultural heritage.The materials used for peace lock crafting varies vastly from an era to another – silver,gold,aluminum, wood and even rocks. We decided to craft this artwork with Qingmiaoxiang (Clear and Subtle Incense) for your unprecedented olfactory cultural experience – breathable ancient blessings.

2.”Qing miao xiang” – Clear and Subtle Incense

The “Qingmiaoxiang” (Clear and Subtle Incense) was first documented in the Song Dynasty’s “Chen’s Incense Manual”. During the mid-Northern Song Dynasty, literati gatherings flourished, with “instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, tea, and incense” being central to these events. To meet the demand for an incense that was “elegantly subtle without overpowering, and ethereally inspiring for poetic moods” during these gatherings, a pioneer of literati incense culture, created the “Qingmiaoxiang.”

The ancients believed that incense should not be too strong, as it would disrupt the appreciation of music and scholarly pursuits. Therefore, Qing miao xiang uses agarwood and sandalwood as its base, accented with borneol and musk, creating a fragrance that is “clear but not bland, wonderfully elegant but not gaudy.”

The agarwood and sandalwood provide a rich, mellow woody base; the borneol adds a crisp, refreshing coolness; and the musk imparts a lively, penetrating quality to the aroma. White honey (refined honey) is used as a natural binder, along with a trace amount of natural saltpeter to brighten the scent. Its unique craftsmanship lies in the “double-boiler honey heating” method (gently heating the refined honey in a bain-marie to make the sweetness milder and avoid the cloyingness of raw honey).

After blending the incense, it must be sealed in ceramic ware for “cellaring” for one month, allowing the various aromatic properties to fully meld. When burned or worn, the incense emits a clear, moist, and ethereal fragrance with a sweet, lingering finish.

(Making Blended Incense)