Twelve Flower Goddesses Incense Holder · August Crape Myrtle · Xiao Chuo · 蕭綽

August Crape Myrtle Blossom · Xiao Chuo

A gentle blossom, a spirit born to lead.

Inspired by the August crape myrtle and the story of Xiao Chuo, this sculptural Liuli incense holder brings together delicate beauty and unwavering strength. Its softly layered purple and pink petals capture the elegance of a flower in bloom, offering a graceful expression of confidence and quiet determination.

Xiao Chuo, the influential empress dowager of the Liao dynasty, exercised significant political authority and took an active role in military affairs. Remembered for her leadership, wisdom, and determination, she represents a woman whose strength extended far beyond the conventional expectations of her time. Paired with the crape myrtle — admired for its long-lasting summer blossoms — her story celebrates grace, resilience, and the courage to lead.

FOR DESIGNERS & INTERIOR STYLING

With its softly layered purple and pink Liuli and sculptural crape myrtle form, this piece brings a graceful yet assured presence to residential, hospitality, and curated interior spaces. Its compact scale makes it especially suitable for a private study, reading corner, bedroom, tea setting, meditation space, entry display, hotel interior, hospitality suite, gallery setting, or decorative display.

Natural or ambient light passing through the translucent Liuli reveals subtle shifts of purple, pink, warmth, and depth across the layered petals. Its gentle tones pair naturally with wood, stone, glass, and restrained neutral materials, allowing the piece to work as both a functional incense holder and a refined decorative accent.

THE ART OF LIULI

Created through an intricate lost-wax casting process, each piece begins with its own mold. After the wax is removed and the Liuli undergoes high-temperature forming, the outer mold must be broken away before the piece can be carefully refined, ground, and polished.

One mold. One piece.

The colors are not painted onto the finished surface.

They are formed within the Liuli during the high-temperature process, becoming part of the material itself. As light passes through different colors and depths of Liuli, subtle variations in transparency and tone reveal the sculptural layers of the crape myrtle petals.

Because of this process, small variations may appear from piece to piece. Subtle natural bubbles and gentle flowing patterns may also appear within the Liuli. These are characteristic of the making process and contribute to the individual character of each piece, rather than being considered defects.

A QUIET MOMENT OF YOUR OWN

Each month in the Twelve Flower Goddesses Incense Holder Collection is accompanied by its own selected incense, thoughtfully paired with that month’s piece. The incense is included as part of the experience, with a different selection accompanying each of the twelve months.

Light the incense and let its fragrance slowly fill the room. Read a book, enjoy a cup of tea, meditate, or simply sit quietly for a while. Set down the weight of the day and leave a little time for yourself. In the gentle fragrance, slow down, soften, and return to your own rhythm.

A flower in stillness. A moment of your own.