The Japanese Art of Appreciating Incense
The Japanese art of appreciating incense is known as Kodo, which translates to the ‘Way of Incense’. This practice involves using incense in a deliberate and purposeful manner, where every movement holds significance and meaning. Kodo is one of the three traditional Japanese arts of refinement, along with flower arrangement (kado) and the tea ceremony (chado).
Japanese incense was introduced to Japan from China, along with Buddhism. Agarwood and sandalwood were among the first types of wood used for incense. In addition to these, commonly known ingredients in Japanese incense include borneo camphor, benzoin, frankincense, clove, star anise, rhubarb, cinnamon, licorice, and patchouli. Additional elements may be added to incense depending on its purpose. If it is intended for health benefits, traditional Chinese herbs may be included.
Kodo originated with the Japanese aristocracy during the Muromachi era. It started as an informal game played among individuals, offering an opportunity to tell stories or simply pass the time. To begin the ceremony, the unlit incense is placed on a mica plate, which is then positioned over hot coals. The heat subtly releases the fragrance of the incense, and participants in the game must guess the ingredients by ‘listening’ to the incense … ...Read the rest.
“The Japanese Art of Appreciating Incense”
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