Tembusu 1

Regular price $320.00 SGD
Tembusu 1

Akin to a tall, rising tower, the Tembusu 1 is an inverted incense holder. Its original and intuitive pinch-hold redefines ritual by securely accommodating both incense sticks with a wooden core and those without, while bringing a waste-free experience and understated elegance to any space

Features

  • Intuitive pinch-hold
  • Accommodates incense sticks with a diameter of 1-5mm
  • Spread the pinch to naturally release unburnt ends into the ash bin
  • Holds incense sticks without a wooden core for a near-complete burn, which minimizes waste
  • The tall ash bin minimizes the need for frequent ash disposal, making it ideal for high-use environments
  • Substantial weight of 1.7kg

Materials & Dimensions

  • Bamboo Brown Model: Electro-galvanized steel with a sand-colored powder-coated finish
  • Bead Blasted Model: Grade 304 stainless steel with a raw, bead-blasted finish. Over time, a natural patina from fingerprints and ashes will develop, enhancing the material's unique character
  • Polished Model: Grade 304 stainless steel with a clear, reflective mirror finish on the exterior. The interior remains in a raw, bead-blasted finish, creating an intentional contrast. Over time, a natural patina from fingerprints and ashes will develop, enhancing the material's unique character
  • As each piece is meticulously handmade and manually coated, aesthetic irregularities may be visible, reflecting the integrity and unique character of the small-batch process
  • Dimensions: L 37 / W 37 / H 54 cm

Care & Maintenance

  • Wipe the underside of the pinch-hold regularly to prevent soot buildup
  • Empty any ashes that accumulate on the lid into the holder or a dustbin as needed
  • Empty the holder when necessary. Rinse using only water
  • Incense sticks without a wooden core will fully combust upon contact with the metal surface, leaving natural scorch marks
  • Daily Cleaning: For regular maintenance, we recommend using a soft, microfiber cloth dampened with water or a mild, pH-neutral detergent to remove surface oils. Never use abrasive pads, steel wool, or scouring powders. These will cause permanent scratches and dull the specific luster of the finish
  • Disclaimer: Please note that the use of third-party cleaning agents or chemical coatings is at the user's discretion. Populate cannot be held responsible for changes in surface luster, discoloration, or adverse reactions caused by these substances. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first

Design & Inspiration

Named after Singapore’s iconic Tembusu tree—revered for its fragrant blooms and robust, unique branching—the series embodies structural duality: Soul in Structure. This unifying octagonal form features precise architectural fins engineered for functional purpose. A single, enduring construction translated into the three distinct pieces of the Tembusu range

Delivery & Returns

Our pieces are crafted by hand in small batches to ensure consistent quality. Therefore, lead times may vary:

Tembusu 1, Bamboo Brown: Ready to ship

Tembusu 1, Bead Blasted: 8 weeks (Made-to-order)

Tembusu 1, Polished: 8 weeks (Made-to-order)

All custom and made-to-order pieces are final sale and cannot be cancelled or returned


Detailed policies can be found under "Terms & Conditions" within "Your Right to Cancel"

The Tembusu 1 is showcased beside a unique branch of an aged Tembusu tree in a neighborhood park in northern Singapore

Inspired by architectural geometry, the Tembusu 1 is an inverted incense holder defined by clean, functional design. A weighty (1.7kg), understated piece, it allows meticulous craftsmanship and the subdued charm of its materials to take center stage.

Begin your morning ritual by lighting your favorite incense stick.

An intuitive pinch-hold secures a variety of incense sticks. Simply spread the two metal arms with your fingers to allow it to grip a stick.

This thoughtful design allows sticks with a wooden core to achieve a complete burn. For those without a wooden core, it still ensures a near-complete burn, minimizing wastage. The Tembusu 1 is a purposeful object that reflects our understanding of both materials and the user's experience.

We offer curated laser-etched graphics; this Tembusu 1 piece expresses the gnarled texture of the Tembusu trunk

Collaboration

The Tembusu 1: an eight-sided steel canvas for bespoke laser-etched designs and brand narratives


Populate with us

Early access to limited editions and new legacies