Sensory Equipoise: Lingnan Herbal Incense
Partner Programme
Artist Statement
Xiuli Xie, PhD, Forest Health Specialist, Nature Educator, Aromatherapist. The research interests include horticultural therapy, aromatherapy, design and health, focus on the development of fragrant cultural products that combine traditional aesthetic connotations with contemporary emotional values.
Hua Chen, Professor, PhD. The research interests include health and design, wellness garden planning and design, and the design and application of local plants. I have conducted multiple wellness workshops and healing experience activities
The Southern region of China is home to a wealth of medicinal botanicals. We carefully select five authentic native Lingnan herbs: Agarwood, Patchouli, Dried tangerine peel, Cinnamon and Galangal. Adhere to the ancient Chinese fragrance blending techniques (Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, And Envoy) and ancient methods for processing incense sticks. The appearance design follows the flavor of ancient Chinese books and is accompanied by sensory descriptions related to the aroma, in order to facilitate the understanding of ancient medicinal fragrances
Work Statement
These are therapeutic herbal incenses for the body. Southern Chinese herbs are mostly warm in nature and have a pungent fragrance. After making incense, the medicinal qi enters the lungs through the nasal cavity and is then transmitted through the meridians. The five medicinal herbs benefit the spleen, lungs, kidneys, heart, and stomach. For the mind, the five medicinal herbs correspond to the "Five Gods" of traditional Chinese medicine, it can bring peace to the heart, inspiration for the will, unwind the mind, awakening spirit, and aquied inner warmth.
1 brochure (8 pages, 19x25cm), 5 bookmarks (5x15cm), 1 incense pipe rack (12x19cm), 5 Incense Pipes (21cm), 5 cans of fragrant powder (6.6x16cm), 1 incense stick
Sensory Equipoise: Lingnan Herbal Incense was presented in Mind × Body: Catalyst Phenomenon Archive, organised by the Reality Intelligence Association as part of London Design Festival 2026.
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