From Raw Materials to Finished Products: Unveiling the Entire Production Process of Hexiangzhu (Chinese Herbal Incense Beads)

As a crystallization of incense culture and exquisite craftsmanship, the production process of Hexiang Beads is cumbersome yet meticulous, with each step embodying the wisdom and dedication of craftsmen. Below is a detailed revelation of the entire production process of Hexiang Beads, from raw material selection to the final product.

I. Raw Material Selection

Main Materials: Based on the incense formula and the expected quality of the incense product, natural spices of corresponding grades and textures are selected as the main materials. These spices may include various rare plants such as agarwood, sandalwood, and borneol.

Auxiliary Materials: In addition to the main materials, some auxiliary materials need to be added to adjust the fragrance and texture. These materials may include various herbs, flowers, etc., and the specific types and proportions are determined by the incense formula.

II. Processing and Preparation

Processing: According to the characteristics of the raw materials, different methods such as crushing, steaming, boiling, stir-frying, roasting, toasting, baking, and levigating are used to process the raw materials. The purpose of this step is to adjust the properties of the raw materials in advance, making them more suitable for subsequent processing.

Powder Grinding: All processed materials are ground into powder with a fineness of over 120 meshes. The fineness of the powder has a significant impact on the subsequent production and the quality of the final product.

III. Compounding and Blending

Compounding: In accordance with the incense formula, compounding is completed following the ancient "Monarch-Minister-Assistant-Guide" principle. This means that different spices have primary and secondary roles in the formula, jointly forming a harmonious fragrance system.

Blending: The compounded spices are mixed evenly in proportion, and an appropriate amount of adhesive powder is added as a binder. The proportion of the adhesive powder must be moderate to ensure the firmness of the incense beads and the purity of the fragrance.

IV. Kneading, Forging and Shaping

Kneading and Forging: The blended incense clay is placed on a workbench for kneading and forging. This process requires a lot of effort and is usually completed in three stages: first, press and knead with both hands; when resistance is felt during pressing, switch to a wooden hammer for beating; continue until the incense clay becomes compact, then switch to an iron hammer for further pounding. The purpose of kneading and forging is to make the texture of the incense clay uniform and dense, and the fragrance harmonious and mild.

Fermentation: The kneaded and forged incense clay needs to be left to ferment for a whole day and night. This process helps to further integrate and stabilize the fragrance.

Shaping: When the incense clay is ready for use, bead making can begin. Tear the incense clay into small lumps and slowly knead them into spheres in the palm of the hand. To ensure that each bead is of the same size, it is best to use an electronic scale for weighing.

V. Sanding and Polishing

Sanding: The shaped incense beads are sanded with sandpaper or a sander to remove surface defects and uneven parts. This process requires patience and care to ensure the smoothness and aesthetics of the incense beads.

Polishing: After sanding, the incense beads are polished with polishing cotton. The polished incense beads have a surface as smooth as a mirror and emit a charming luster.

VI. Stringing and Accessorizing

Stringing: The sanded and polished incense beads are strung with thin strings to form accessories such as bracelets and necklaces. When stringing, it is necessary to ensure the firmness and aesthetics of the string.

Accessorizing: If needed, some accessories such as Hetian jade and pearls can be added to the string of incense beads to enhance the overall beauty of the accessory.

VII. Final Product Inspection and Packaging

Quality Inspection: The finished Hexiang Beads undergo quality inspection to ensure that each bead meets the quality requirements. The inspection items include the purity of the fragrance, the smoothness of the beads, and the consistency of size.

Packaging: The Hexiang Beads that pass the quality inspection are exquisitely packaged for preservation and gifting. The packaging materials are usually eco-friendly and moisture-proof to ensure the long-term preservation of the fragrance.

Notes on Terminology:

Hexiang Beads: The term "合香珠" is translated as "Hexiang Beads" with a supplementary note "Fragrance-Combined Beads" to convey the core meaning of "combining multiple fragrances". It is retained as a proper noun to preserve cultural specificity.

Monarch-Minister-Assistant-Guide: The traditional Chinese herbal medicine/formula principle "君臣佐使" is translated literally with capitalization to highlight its status as an ancient technical term, ensuring the inheritance of the cultural connotation of incense compounding.

120 meshes: The unit "目" (mesh) for powder fineness is universally used in industrial contexts, so it is retained directly to ensure accuracy.