Jali work - the pierced lattice carving seen on old Indian screens and windows - cut by hand into a dark brown soapstone oil burner. The openwork lets a tea light glow through the body of the piece while the top bowl carries your essential oil. At 11.43 cm tall it sits comfortably on a shelf, mandir ledge or corner table.

Key Features

• Traditional hand-cut jali (openwork lattice) carving
• Warm lamp-like glow when a tea light is lit inside
• Deep brown natural soapstone with heat-resistant properties
• Compact square footprint for shelves and ledges
• Top bowl holds oil and water or a wax melt
• Also works for sambrani, loban and dhoop cones

Product Details

• Material: Natural soapstone
• Colour: Dark brown
• Craft: Hand-carved jali work by Indian artisans
• Use: Essential oil diffuser, wax melt burner, sambrani or loban burner
• Finish: Smooth polished natural stone
• Dimensions: 8.89 x 8.89 x 11.43 cm (L x W x H) — approx. 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches
• Handcrafted in: India

How to Use & Style It

• On a mandir shelf for loban during evening prayers
• In a reading corner with a calming essential oil
• As a soft light source on a balcony or terrace evening
• Grouped with incense holders and small bowls on a console

Care & Maintenance

• Let it cool fully before cleaning
• Use a soft brush to clear ash from inside the jali cuts
• Wipe the top bowl with warm water and mild soap after oil use
• Do not leave a lit tea light unattended

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this soapstone oil burner?

Pour a little water into the top bowl, add four to six drops of your favourite essential oil, and light a standard tea light in the chamber below. The gentle heat releases the fragrance within a few minutes - just keep topping up the water so the bowl never runs dry.

What exactly is jali work?

Jali is the traditional Indian craft of cutting an openwork lattice into stone, the same technique seen on old haveli and monument screens. Here it is cut by hand into soapstone, so the tea light inside glows through the pattern.

Can I use it for sambrani, loban or dhoop instead of essential oil?

Yes, many homes use it exactly that way. For sambrani or loban, use the top bowl dry (no water) with a charcoal tablet or a dhoop cone, and let the burner cool completely before you clear out the ash.

Will the stone crack because of the heat?

Soapstone is naturally heat resistant, which is why it has been used for burners and cookware for generations. Use a single standard tea light as intended, keep the burner on a flat, heat-safe surface, and never leave a lit flame unattended.

Would this make a good gift for someone who likes traditional decor?

Yes - hand-carved soapstone has an old-world, artisanal character that suits people who like ethnic, temple-style or classic interiors. It is commonly gifted at Diwali, housewarmings and weddings.

Handcrafted in India from natural soapstone. As every piece is carved and polished by hand, slight variations in shade, veining and carving detail are natural and make your piece one of a kind.

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