Two brothers. One formula. A scent that outlived an empire.
Su Shi (Su Dongpo) and his younger brother Su Zhe were not just famous poets—they were incense obsessives. While the world remembers them for “Climbing the tower at Red Cliffs” and “Thoughts of my son at moonrise,” Chinese literati remember them for something else: their blended incense recipe.
The Story
Er Su Jiu Ju translates roughly to “The Two Su Brothers’ Gathering.” It was their signature blend—something they burned during literary gatherings, calligraphy sessions, and late-night poetry writing.
Unlike the grand palace formulas designed to impress, Er Su Jiu Ju was intimate. It was made for scholars by scholars. The scent reflected their philosophy: refined but not showy, complex but approachable.
What Goes Into It
The classic recipe calls for:
- Premier grade sandalwood — the base. Su Shi was said to favor Mysore sandalwood above all else.
- Folded dragon well benzoin — a resin that adds a faint vanilla sweetness. Some versions use storax instead.
- A touch of musk — just enough to give the blend a pulse. Not overwhelming. More like a heartbeat.
- Borneol crystals — the cooling element. This is what makes Er Su Jiu Ju feel fresh rather than heavy.
The ratio? That depends on who you ask. Su family records suggest equal parts sandalwood and benzoin, with 1/10th musk and a pinch of borneol. But “exact” recipes were never written down for blends like this—it was passed through smell and memory.
How to Make It
- Grind your sandalwood into a fine powder. The finer, the better—it burns more evenly.
- Add benzoin (about the same volume). If your benzoin is sticky, let it dry first.
- Add a tiny amount of musk—seriously, less than you think. We’re talking a few grains.
- Finish with borneol. A very small amount. It evaporates fast and the smell will surprise you.
- Mix thoroughly. This step matters. Uneven mixing = uneven burn.
- Roll into sticks or burn on charcoal. Both work well.
What It Smells Like
First: creamy sandalwood. Then: the sweetness of benzoin creeping in, soft and warm. Then: that hint of animal—musk without aggression. And underneath it all, that cool borneol lift that keeps the whole thing from feeling heavy.
This is incense for thinking. For writing. For long afternoons with a book and a cup of tea. Not for meditating—too active. Not for sleeping—too alert. Right in between: focused calm.
Why It Still Matters
Most ancient recipes disappeared because they were too expensive or too complicated. Er Su Jiu Ju survived because it’s buildable. You don’t need imperial grade materials to get 80% of the original effect.
The Su brothers made this blend famous because they were Su brothers. But the recipe itself? It’s democratic. Anyone with decent ingredients and patience can make it.
That’s the real story. Two brothers who happened to be geniuses created something the rest of us can actually use.