Incense Design of Scent and Form
Written by Ryoko
Translated by Chris Salzberg
form pingmag

Sweet-smelling scent of sandalwood drifts from an incense stick. The rabbit incense stick holder is also cute!

Slowly the faint smoke rolls from the glowing ember at the end of a stick and a familiar soft fragrance permeates the room and lays to rest our busy minds. Incense, a long tradition among the Japanese people, has taken on many changes over the years; in color, shape and, of course, scent. I would like to offer our readers a break, as I give you some insights to the varying nuances in the world of incense.

It is believed that incense was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, along with Buddhism. At that time, incense consisted simply of small chips from an aromatic tree called “koboku (fragrant wood)”, or a ground powder from that tree.

“Koboku” cut from a natural aromatic tree. Even today, most incense is made from natural aromas such as that of the resin from fragrant wood and plants.

The round-shaped “neriko”, one type of takimono, is a fine powder fragrance kneaded with honey or plum and matured. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

In the Heian period, “takimono”, incense that is preheated to use, made its appearance. Nobles of the time did more than just enjoy the fragrance of this incense, they also perfumed their clothing with it and apparently enjoyed using it as a form of fashion. In addition, the middle of the Edo period saw the birth of “incense of a type that can be lit directly”; the type that we are very familiar with. This convenient type of incense, which can be put out by breaking off the tip and its scent can be made stronger by increasing the number of sticks, was popular among common people due to its ease in using.
Among the different types of incense today, there are various different shapes, including stick-shaped, coil-shaped and cone-shaped incense. The part of a stick-shaped incense that burns has a uniformed width, so the scent spreads at a constant rate. The coil-shaped incense is elongated by the nature of its shape and therefore takes a long time to burn. As for the cone-shaped incense, the burnable portion widens as it burns, quickly dispersing its fragrance. Each of these different types of incense are made to suit a particular purpose.

Stick-shaped incense gives off a uniform fragrance, from Kyukyodo, a Japanese goods specialty store in Ginza.

Fragrance varies depending on color.

An unique shaped incense “Musbi-Bumi”, from Shoyeido, a Japanese goods specialty store in Ginza.

Fragrance disperses over a short period of time.

Coil-shaped incense for use over a long period of time. This particular incense can burn for 12 hours. From Kyukyodo.

Quickly set into play when company is coming over…the advantage of the cone-shaped incense. From Kyukyodo.

The base has the largest area, so the fragrance steadily increases. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

“Inko” is a traditional incense that is placed upon hot ashes to burn. Like neriko, the first incense introduced, inko is considered a “takimono”. Made by pressing together finely-ground aromatic materials into a particular shape, this incense looks just like candy, with shapes of plums and maple leaves, folding fans and mallets; the shapes are soothing to the eye.

Inko that might be mistaken for candy, from Shoyeido.

Inko placed upon hot ashes. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

Inko with the motif of plums, also from Shoyeido. Makes an excellent gift to bring overseas.

There are also several types of incense that give off a sweet fragrance at room temperature, without burning. There are many varieties of this type of incense: “Nioi-bukuro”-scented bags, stuffed with crushed natural fragrant materials such as the highly-vaporous sandalwood, as well as “Fumikou”. It is also used as decor for letters and page markers. Incenses in powder form, such as “zuko,” can be applied, like perfume, directly to one’s neck or hands, are said to “drive away evil and purify the body”. It is also said that this type of incense was used by Buddhist priests as a charm to ward off evil spirits.

Cute “flower wheels” made from chiyogami paper [paper with colored figures]. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

“Nioi Bukuro”- scented bags in the likeness of shells. From Shoyeido.

Vividly-colored scented bags, from Kyukyodo.

Beautifully-designed scented bags for storage bins and other uses. From Kyukyodo.

Chips of fragrant materials packed into scented bags.

Easy-to-carry scented bag, from Shoyeido.

From young to old, recently many people have found a place for incense in their lives. Not only is incense used for the pure enjoyment of its fragrance, but it has also become a fashion accessory for Japanese clothing and perhaps a gift for someone special.

Shoyeido fragrance basket with scent bags.

Fragrance baskets can be hung in rooms. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

“Zuko” - a powder incense. (Courtesy of Shoyeido)

Doll-shaped “Fumiko” from Kyukyodo.

With its delicate aroma, incense take us to a pleasant place and lends a soothing atmosphere to our everyday hectic lives. In the future, incense will surely continue to be cherished by many people.

Thanks sincerely to all the people at Shoyeido and Kyukyodo in Ginza who helped with this article. And to everybody, please take it easy and give incense a try!