Volcanic Lava Stone Incense Holder

There is something deeply grounding about volcanic stone. It carries the memory of fire and earth — and in the hands of Maximilian Jencquel, it becomes an object of quiet ritual.

This incense holder is hand-carved from volcanic lava stone and cradled in fine black lava sand. It is raw, tactile, and alive with the imperfections that make natural materials so compelling. Over time, it will patina and soften — a wabi-sabi quality that Jencquel deliberately embraces. This is not an object that tries to stay pristine. It is one that ages alongside you.

Jencquel's path to this piece is anything but conventional. Born in Venezuela to German-French parents, he trained as an architect and cut his teeth working with Andrée Putman on projects in Miami and Tokyo before spending years at Christian Liaigre's studio in Paris. A pivotal move to Bali led him to found Studio Jencquel, where he developed his philosophy of "slow design" — the idea that every material, every form, every decision should carry intention and tell a story.

Produced in Belgium by When Objects Work, this incense holder reflects that ethos completely. It is made to order, one at a time. No two are alike.

Available in Two Sizes

• Regular: Ø 30 cm / H 7 cm — a considered accent for a bedside table, desk, or bathroom shelf
• Large: Ø 50 cm / H 11 cm — a commanding presence for a living room, entryway, or meditation space

Details

• Designer: Maximilian Jencquel / Studio Jencquel
• Producer: When Objects Work, Belgium
• Material: Hand-carved volcanic lava stone with black lava sand
• Production: Made to order — please allow 1–2 weeks
• Character: Each piece is unique with natural variations in texture, tone, and surface