Tathagata Buddha Ceramic Incense Holder

Description

A Tathagata Buddha ceramic incense holder, handformed and kiln-fired, sized to anchor a single stick or cone. The glaze settles into the curves of the figure with the quietness that marks objects made to last.

Tathagata is a Sanskrit title commonly rendered as thus come or thus gone, used throughout the Pali canon and Mahayana sutras to refer to the historical Buddha without naming personal attributes. It carries the weight of the universal: the one who arrived and departed through reality as it is. Ceramic incense holders in this form have roots in Chinese and Vietnamese craft traditions, where kilns producing Buddhist figural ware operated continuously from the Tang dynasty onward. Glaze techniques visible on contemporary pieces descend from centuries of accumulated kiln knowledge.

Available in two sizes: small (approximately 10 cm height) and large (approximately 16 cm height). The figure is hand-thrown or slip-cast in white stoneware clay, fired at high temperature for density and resistance to incense resin buildup. A recessed channel at the figure’s base accepts standard incense sticks (3 mm diameter) and cones. The glaze finish varies slightly piece to piece due to kiln conditions, producing surfaces that range from matte celadon to a warmer ivory. Weight: small approximately 180 g, large approximately 350 g.

Incense holder in fired ceramic (white stoneware). Subject: Tathagata Buddha figure. Available in two sizes: approx. 10 cm (small) and 16 cm (large). Accepts standard incense sticks and cones. Handcrafted. Origin: Vietnam or China. Available from Artisan d’Asie.

High-fired ceramic holds its form for generations. Each piece varies in glaze. Made to be used.