Tennen Incense

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. This practice maintains a level of mindful calm and can be the reset button on an otherwise stressful day. Whether reconnecting with yourself or something higher, the scent that surrounds you can aid the zen. Incense has been around for some 6,000 years. Its original sole purpose was to facilitate the connection between the corporeal and the spiritual, but in modern Western culture, its use has transitioned into making a space smell its most pleasant. 

The architectural firm Tennen Studio – founded in 2001 by Sarah and Ethan Wessel – utilized incense in their Phoenix offices to promote a soothing atmosphere. This inspired them to expand Tennen’s portfolio to include a full line of incense and holders in collaboration with Kyoto incense makers. Our favorite, the Sonoran Desert Series, inspires a true sense of place with clean, luscious fragrances like the floral Spring Arroyo and the fresh Ocotillo Bloom.

Tennen offers many packaging options depending on the amount and shape (coils, cones or sticks), and the packaging is quite possibly as beautiful as the product found within. Each Tennen incense box or tube celebrates the spectacular Japanese aesthetic: quality simplicity. Mom has gifted each of the Tennen Sonoran Desert Series scents many times to friends as well as to my Aunt Whitney who is a total aroma addict. With 100 sticks per tube, and a 15 minute burn time per stick, this generously valued goodie will waft its way through your nose and heart many times over.