The history of Chinese incense, from ancient rituals to fragrance, as craft enjoys revival

“Many people, when they first smell Chinese incense, describe it as smelling like Chinese medicine,” says Shanghai-based incense master Sun Na. “And it’s true, the classic Chinese incense we’re talking about is primarily medicinal in character.” She points to a spherical censer, a vessel designed to burn incense. “In winter, you could put it under the blankets to scent and warm the bedding,” she says. “If you had trouble sleeping, calming herbs could be added. This is what we call zhi wei bing –...