Stars Sign Mini Bowl & Incense Stick Holder - Cancer

• The Cancer crab sits in the middle of a cream disc, drawn in fine gold line, with a crescent moon curling above it.
• Around it, a ring of gold constellation drawings runs against the dark blue, with a scatter of tiny gold dots like stars.
• The glossy lacquered finish catches the light and gives the blue a deep, glassy shine.
• The warm, grained wood frames the artwork, with darker and lighter streaks that differ from bowl to bowl.
• A single small hole at the centre is where the incense stick stands.

The bowl is made from mango wood, a timber with a warm honey-to-brown colour and a visible, flowing grain. Because the grain is natural, no two bowls look exactly alike. The artwork sits under a glossy lacquered finish, so the surface feels smooth and the colours stay rich.

As an incense holder, stand a stick upright in the centre hole and let the ash fall onto the bowl as it burns. Incense sticks usually burn for roughly half an hour to an hour, though this varies from stick to stick, so check the pack. Light the tip, let it flame for a few seconds, then blow it out so it glows. Burn in a well-ventilated room and never leave it unattended.

Off duty, it works as a small catch-all for rings, earrings and other little treasures. Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, and keep it away from standing water.

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, traditionally pictured as a crab and linked in astrology with the moon, home and a protective, caring nature. That is why the crescent moon appears above the crab here. It is a piece for anyone born under Cancer, or for someone who simply likes the imagery of the night sky.

This is a gift that is easy to personalise: pick the sign that matches the person's birthday, and it becomes something they can use every day, for incense, for jewellery, or just to look at. It suits birthdays, housewarmings and small thank-yous.