Learn the Feng Shui-aligned arrangement of the Ngu Su (Five-Piece Altar Set)—including the incense burner, cranes, and candle holders—to create a dignified and prosperous ancestral sanctuary.
1. The Five-Piece Set: The Pinnacle of Traditional Altar Sanctity
For ancestral halls or multi-generational family altars, the Ngu Su set—crafted from bronze or fine porcelain—consists of one central incense burner (with a mythical Nghe lion lid), two cranes perched on turtles, and two candle holders. These are the ultimate symbols of prestige and longevity. Each piece carries deep philosophical weight: the incense burner serves to diffuse the Qi of pure Vietnamese agarwood; the crane atop a turtle symbolizes the harmony of Heaven and Earth and eternal life; and the candle holders represent the Sun and Moon, illuminating the path for generations to come.
2. Standardized Symmetry for Altar Arrangement
- Incense Burner (Central Rear): Placed at the center of the altar, set back toward the ancestral tablets; the Nghe lion on the lid should face directly forward.
- The Cranes (Flanking the Burner): Placed symmetrically on either side of the burner, with the cranes’ beaks holding lotus flowers, heads turned inward toward the burner.
- Candle Holders (Front Outer Corners): Positioned at the outermost edges of the altar to illuminate the space and frame the sacred area.
- Incense Bowl: Placed in the center, directly in front of the burner, for convenient daily incense offerings.
3. Elevating Rituals with Phu Van Huong Antique Wild Agarwood
The soul of the incense burner is the fragrant smoke rising from the Nghe lion’s mouth. We recommend using incense powder or breaking a piece of our Antique Wild Agarwood Incense Sticks (Tram Ruc). The precious smoke from these wild Khanh Hoa forests creates a magnificent, cloud-like atmosphere, welcoming blessings for the entire lineage.
The Phu Van Huong Craftsmanship Standard:
At our Thuong Dat artisan workshop, Hai Phong, Vietnam, every coreless incense stick is cold-pressed to a precise length of 5.3 inches (13.5cm), offering a consistent 45 to 60-minute burn time. Crafted from 100% pure botanicals and wild mountain Litsea glutinosa bark binder, our sticks contain zero chemical burn accelerants or bamboo cores, ensuring a delicate, mist-like smoke that is safe for modern, climate-controlled homes.
“A dignified, well-arranged altar is a testament to one’s roots and a beacon illuminating the path for future generations.”
Discover pure, authentic incense for your ancestral altar at en.phuvanhuong.com.
3 Signature Artisan Incense Blends by Phu Van Huong
Double-aged in heritage Bat Trang earthenware vessels to eliminate raw plant odors and lock in deep, grounding sweetness for your mindful rituals.
Natural Herbal Incense Sticks
- Double slow-aged: eliminates acrid pungency, retains sweet herbal depth
- 3-year aged mugwort, aged tangerine peel, honey locust, cinnamon, cypress
- Purifies living spaces, alleviates mental tension, promotes deep sleep
- Approx. 80 sticks (8 inches / 20cm) • 45-60 min burn time
Pure Vietnamese Agarwood Incense
- 100% authentic Vietnamese Agarwood heartwood powder
- Slow-cured twice: eliminates coarse wood notes, awakens pure resin aroma
- Soothing, warm, honeyed-woody notes for meditation & deep presence
- Zero chemical burn accelerants, 100% bamboo-free pure ash
Antique Wild Agarwood (Tram Ruc)
- High-density wild sunken resin from deep ancient Vietnamese jungles
- Bespoke double maturation: deeply sweet, penetrating, non-turbid aroma
- Profound relaxation, clears mental fatigue, spiritual elevation
- Luxury glass cylinder with brass cap • Approx. 80 sticks