Er Su Jiu Ju | Handmade TCM Incense Pills for Calm & Focus | Sandalwood & Amber | DragonHeart

Er Su Jiu Ju inspiration

Most people have heard of Er Su Jiu Ju, but despite its name, this incense formula was not created by Su Shi and Su Zhe.

It originates from Yan Ju Xiang Yu and was formulated by Mr. Chen Yunjun as a modern incense recipe to commemorate the deep brotherly bond between Su Shi and Su Zhe.

The profound connection between the Er Su (Two Sus) is well-documented in literature. A famous example is the opening of Shui Diao Ge Tou, where Su Shi wrote:

“In the autumn of the year Bingchen, I drank joyfully until dawn, became very drunk, and composed this poem, thinking of my brother Ziyou.”

Here, “Ziyou” refers to Su Zhe, Su Shi’s younger brother. The famous lines,
“May we all be blessed with longevity, though far apart, we share the same moonlight,”
express Su Shi’s deep longing for his brother, making this incense a tribute to their enduring bond.

The two brothers shared a deep bond and once vowed to retire together, living side by side. However, once they entered officialdom, they found themselves powerless against fate.

When the Wutai Poetry Case erupted, Su Shi was falsely accused and imprisoned. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Su Zhe petitioned the court, offering to relinquish his official position in exchange for Su Shi’s life.

In the end, not only did he fail to rescue his brother, but he himself was also implicated and exiled, sacrificing his own future. This incident is a testament to the profound brotherly love between the Two Sus.

My Er Su incense emphasizes the essence of “Old”, not only as a tribute to the Two Sus but also to recreate the atmosphere of ancient scholars reading and drinking tea.

Thus, Er Su Old Bureau is an incense designed for literati. Its fragrance carries the refinement and integrity of scholars, along with the subtle aroma of aged books and natural herbs. The scent is elegant and long-lasting.

When smelled directly, it reveals a woody freshness reminiscent of jasmine green tea. I use jasmine flowers to wrap the incense, and I also incorporate a small amount of jasmine pollen into the incense itself. This addition enhances the overall fragrance, making it fresher, more delicate, and evocative of the scholarly spirit. It has a distinctive character and layered complexity.

For the best experience, do not exceed 150°C when burning—excessive heat may produce a burnt aroma.

The main ingredients in this incense formula are of the highest quality. Even with the same incense, each person experiences it differently—not only because scent perception varies, but also because the deeper nuances unfold uniquely for each individual.

Beyond the incense maker’s vision and formula composition, the quality of the raw materials is what truly defines the fragrance. When using premium ingredients, the scent develops with far greater depth, layers, and character. The difference is unmistakable—comparing materials from different sources makes this evident.

In Er Su, aside from agarwood and sandalwood, the presence of frankincense introduces a gentle citrus and floral sweetness, creating a fragrance that feels ethereal and transcendent.

The amber used in this incense formula comes from ancient Pinaceae (pine) trees, which were buried underground and gradually solidified into hydrocarbon compounds over time.

When heated, amber itself releases little to no fragrance—it requires temperatures above 300°C to emit a faint sweet-woody aroma. However, its inclusion in the formula is not just for scent but for its calming effects, helping to ease anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.

Er Su is ideal for use in bedrooms before sleep or in offices when feeling mentally exhausted, providing a sense of relaxation and balance.