Expat students explore Chinese incense-making tradition

Students from Russia and South Korea recently got the chance to enter the world of Chinese incense making in Shanxian county – located in Heze city in East China's Shandong province.

The opportunity came through the help of master craftsman Wu Ping, the 19th generation inheritor of the Wu family's incense-making workshop there.

During the hands-on session, they learned how to knead fragrant clay into various shapes and designs using molds, meticulously trim and carve the clay and then let it air dry – before threading it with ropes and adding tassels to create unique Chinese incense tablets.

Incense tablets, described as the "solid perfume of the East", are esteemed for their ability to give off a heady fragrance without the need for burning.

Originating from the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Wu family's incense-making craft has been passed down for 700 years, blending ancient techniques with folk wisdom.

Wu Ping shared his insights into the cultural significance of incense tablets – explaining how they not only perfume clothes and repel insects, but also serve as symbols of refinement and spiritual transcendence.

What's more, he demonstrated the intricate process of crafting incense tablets – from pressing the fragrant clay into molds, to the delicate removal and finishing touches.

The students were clearly fired up by the experience, eagerly showing off their work and documenting the process with photos. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)

Students proudly show their handmade incense tablets. [Photo by Wang Xiaolan for chinadaily.com.cn]