This September, Oblique Table × Scented Stranger invite you to explore Chinese aromatic herbs, incense, and memory through a guided sensory workshop in New York City. Rather than starting with names or explanations, we begin with scent. You’ll smell first, notice what comes up, and only later learn about the materials themselves.
What We’ll Do
Blind Scent Exploration
Wear an eye mask and experience several Chinese aromatic herbs without labels or expectations. Notice the colors, places, people, textures, or memories each scent brings to mind.
One Material, Different Forms
Experience the same botanical material raw, warmed between your palms, and released through smoke. See how heat and form can completely change the way a scent feels.
Create a Scent Self-Portrait
Use colors, symbols, images, and short notes to record your responses and build a personal map of scent and memory.
Conversation Through the Senses
Share impressions with the table and discover how differently we experience the same aroma. One herb may evoke a childhood home for one person and rain, wood, medicine, or travel for another.
It’s a relaxed and natural way to meet new people, and you’re very welcome to come alone.
What You’ll Take Home
At the end of the evening, you’ll leave with:
Your personal scent self-portrait
A small pouch of Chinese aromatic herbs
An incense stick connected to the experience
A sealed memory envelope to reopen later
We hope you leave noticing fragrance a little differently — and carrying home a memory you didn’t expect to find.
About Scented Stranger
Scented Stranger explores scent, memory, and time through contemporary objects and modern talismans, drawing inspiration from incense, travel, and the traces we carry with us.
Event Details
September 4, 2026 · 7:00–9:00 PM
New York City
90-minute workshop · Limited to 10 guests
No fragrance knowledge is needed.