On a weekend afternoon, sunlight filters through the screen window and falls on the desk—perfect time to do incense seal (Xiangzhuan). It looks elegant, but it’s actually a lot of fun, and the tools needed aren’t complicated: a smooth incense ash bowl, a small incense shovel, a few incense seal molds with different patterns, and the star of the show, sandalwood powder. First, use the incense shovel to gently flatten and compact the incense ash, as tender as loosening soil, to avoid clumping that might ruin the shape.

Then place your favorite lotus-patterned incense seal. Use a small spoon to evenly fill the sandalwood powder into the grooves, and gently brush off any excess powder with an incense brush. You need to stay calm here to keep the pattern intact. Carefully lift the incense seal mold, and a complete “lotus flower” made of incense ash blooms. Light one corner of the sandalwood powder; the flame slowly creeps along the grooves, thin blue smoke curls up, and warm fragrance fills the room. The whole process is like a healing handcraft game—it not only passes the time but also helps you let go of restlessness. This is probably the little life pleasure passed down from our ancestors.