Backflow incense holder Lotus: smoke that falls instead of rising
An ordinary incense holder lets smoke drift upwards. This one does the opposite. It is cast in the shape of a lotus flower, with a raised platform for the cone and a wide dish of curved petals underneath. Smoke slides down those petals and settles in the dish, so it looks as though a low mist is lying over the flower. The ceramic carries a deep black glaze, which makes the pale smoke stand out all the more.
The effect does not come from the holder alone. You need dedicated backflow cones: these are hollow inside and have a small hole in the base. The smoke cools inside that channel, becomes heavier than the surrounding air and sinks instead of curling upwards. Regular solid cones will not do it, however good they smell. Expect a cone to burn for roughly twenty to thirty minutes, and give it a moment before the flow properly gets going.
How to use it
Light the tip of the backflow cone, let it burn for a few seconds and then blow out the flame. Place the cone over the hole at the top of the holder so that the hollow base sits right on the opening. Pick a spot away from draughts, because an open window or a passing air current pulls the falling smoke apart straight away. Stand the holder on a surface that can handle a little heat and ash, and never leave burning incense unattended.
Cleaning and storage
Over time a light residue builds up in the dish. Wipe it away with a damp cloth or rinse it under lukewarm water, then let the holder dry fully before the next use. At Avalon Magic Plants the incense category also holds Satya sticks, plain stick holders and resins to burn on charcoal.
