Singapore’s last giant joss stick makers call it a day

Giant joss sticks at the Tay Guan Heng shop. Those who wish to buy giant joss sticks will have to import less elaborate ones from Malaysia after the shop closes. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): After being lit up for close to a century, the incense will soon burn out at Singapore’s last giant joss stick maker Tay Guan Heng on Dec 4.

Owner and master artisan Albert Tay, 63, and his brother Steven, 66, have decided to end the 90-year-old business started by their grandfather in the 1930s. They said their workshop in Ang Mo Kio is the last one making giant joss sticks adorned with elaborate designs of dragons, deities and other Taoist symbols.