A beautiful circular shaped incense holder with a mandala design, hand-carved from soapstone by the talented artisans in India. The mandala is a symbol popular in Hindu and Buddhist iconography, coming from the Sanskrit word for ‘circle’. Tracing over, creating, or simply visualising a mandala is said to aid in meditation, as it helps to focus on the chakras and the process of gaining enlightenment. Many people use incense as part of their prayer and meditation routine and the mandala pattern could help enhance that experience. The material soapstone is commonly used for sculptures and is created with talc and other minerals such as magnesite.