Huong | V. Le | Glass Soul 2024 | aroma lamp

HUONG, GLASS SOUL 2024

Translated from Vietnamese, it means “scent.” Fragrance as part of ritual and dining. The Huong diffuser is inspired by three Asian principles: Japanese kōdō (香道), Vietnamese ancestor worship (Thờ cúng tổ tiên), and Chinese boshanlu (博山炉). Kōdō is about the conscious perception and understanding of scents. Similar to the tea ceremony (chanoyu) and flower arranging (ikebana), kōdō is one of the classical Japanese cultural disciplines that combines the senses, meditation, and aesthetics. Kōdō is also combined with the tea ceremony to create a pleasant atmosphere before tea is served.

Ancestor worship is one of the most significant and oldest spiritual customs in Vietnam. During the ritual, incense sticks are burned, and it is believed that the scent helps the souls of ancestors descend to the living. After lighting the incense sticks, people fold their hands in prayer and offer silent pleas or expressions of gratitude. This ritual strengthens the connection between the past, present, and future.

Boshanlu are incense burners shaped like mystical mountains from ancient Asia, which symbolized the connection between the human world and the realm of the gods. They were also used in imperial palaces to fragrance the air, promote relaxation, and aid in meditation. Our diffuser bridges ancient traditions with the modern world and celebrates the Czech tradition of glassmaking. It depicts Panská Skála, located in Kamenický Šenov, one of the oldest glassmaking centers in Europe.