There is no shortage of censers and incense holders these days, and considering how many of them are either designed for the home or for travel, it’s no surprise that the majority of them embrace more minimalist aesthetics. These can fit in almost any kind of interior design theme and they tend to avoid being distracting. Some people, however, prefer to have a different kind of imagery when trying to settle their minds, one that may remind them of worlds beyond what we can see or physically feel. This wood and metal censer may look simple at first glance, but it can easily evoke feelings of awe and wonder thanks to its use of one of the most mystical symbols known to man: a star.
Designer: Rafael Maia
Given their distant and almost ethereal appearance, stars have always symbolized not just the heavens but also the majesty associated with it. Human history is filled with symbolism, art, and jewelry that use these heavenly bodies for inspiration, so what’s to stop modern designers from applying the same tradition to products intended to relax or elevate people’s consciousness to new heights? The eight-pointed star design, in particular, has associations with some religions and is an interesting geometric figure in its own right.
Star of the Orient is a censer inspired by religious themes, though the emotional and psychological effects of the design often apply universally, regardless of people’s inclinations. The censer’s star-like shape can be fully appreciated when looking at it from the top, usually when preparing the incense or cleaning the censer. The repeating pattern of lines radiating from the center and following the shape of the star creates a mesmerizing effect as if the golden star is pulsating and flickering like a real star in the sky.
In addition to this stellar theme, the censer’s tall form is also a bit contrary to the often diminutive sizes of most home censers. It has an almost imposing character, standing majestically on any surface while also blending with its surroundings. The combination of wood and bronze creates a sense of duality, not unlike the separation of the Earth and the sky where the star resides. At the same time, the sustainable materials also give off a guiltless feeling as you focus on the gentle puff of smoke rising from the top.
The censer’s design is simple without falling into the minimalist box. At the same time, the details and non-trivial shape create a point of visual interest that won’t distract you from lofty thoughts. And when you’re not using the censer, the Star of the Orient stands as a majestic piece of home decoration that adds a bit of a mystical accent to your space.
