Conclusion: There is no absolute superiority of one over the other when choosing an incense burner. The choice depends on the intended use, the Five Elements theory, and the Feng Shui arrangement.
From a traditional Feng Shui perspective, the three-legged design of incense burners originates from the "Three Powers" theory (Heaven, Earth, and Man). The *I Ching* states, "There is the Way of Heaven, the Way of Man, and the Way of Earth." Three legs symbolize stability and harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Man, making them suitable for offerings to deities or ancestors, signifying a stable foundation and continuous prosperity. For example, the Taoist classic *Yunji Qiqian* records that three-legged incense burners can gather and generate positive energy, especially suitable for occasions requiring enhanced "Earth Qi."
Flat-bottomed incense burners, on the other hand, emphasize "Five Elements balance." Their simple form aligns with the *Huangdi Zhaijing*'s principle that "squareness is the proper shape for objects," making them suitable for everyday incense burning or scenarios requiring rapid energy gathering. If the direction of offering is associated with the element of 'metal' (such as the west), the square shape of a flat-bottomed incense burner can enhance the metal element, aligning with the principles of mutual generation and restraint among the five elements.
When making a specific choice, consider the following principles:
For offerings to deities and Buddhas: Prioritize a three-legged incense burner to correspond with the numbers of the 'Three Powers' (heaven, earth, and man);
For daily incense burning: A flat-bottomed incense burner is simpler and more practical, reflecting the concept of 'a vessel carrying the Way';
For Elemental Supplementation: If the direction lacks 'earth', a three-legged incense burner (of earth element) can supplement it; if lacking 'metal', a flat-bottomed incense burner is better.
