What is the Shoulu (hand censer) 手炉

What is the Shoulu (hand censer) 手炉

Paul Peng
Shoulu (hand censer) is an incense burner with a handle. It is held in the hand, hence the name "shoulu".

In ancient times, the gui zan (a jade ladle-shaped ritual utensil) was used in the ceremony of pouring libations. The zan was shaped like a plate, holding the sacrificial wine inside, with a handle like a gui (a jade tablet). The ritual of pouring libations was performed by holding the handle, and the hand censer originated from this.

In Taoist rituals, there is the ceremony of offering incense with a censer. The master holds the hand censer with burning incense to perform the sacrificial rites.
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Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

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