Twelve Flower Goddesses Incense Holder · May Herbaceous Peony · Lady Xian · 冼夫人

May Herbaceous Peony Blossom · Lady Xian

A flower in graceful bloom, a spirit guided by wisdom and strength.

Inspired by the May herbaceous peony and the story of Lady Xian, this sculptural Liuli incense holder brings together grace and inner strength — the generous beauty of a flower in bloom with the quiet confidence of a woman remembered for wisdom, courage, and leadership.

Lady Xian is remembered in Chinese history as an influential leader known for her wisdom, strength of character, and ability to bring people together. Rather than strength expressed through force alone, her story reflects another kind of power — calm judgment, responsibility, and the confidence to lead with purpose.

Paired with the herbaceous peony — admired for its abundant petals and graceful bloom — her story becomes a reminder that true strength can be both composed and generous. Beauty and leadership need not stand apart; they can grow from the same quiet center.

FOR DESIGNERS & INTERIOR STYLING

With its layered herbaceous peony form and luminous Liuli, this piece brings a graceful yet assured sculptural 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 changes in tone, depth, and transparency across the layered petals. The sculptural floral form pairs 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 herbaceous peony 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.