The Culture of Japanese Incense

Shoyeido has been mastering the ancient art of incense-making in Kyoto since 1705. Their rich history is part of a wider and perhaps, lesser known Japanese cultural tradition: Kodo (“The Way of Incense”). In this highly codified practice, one is engaged in the refined art of “listening to incense”.

Kodo is one of the three classical Japanese art forms alongside Kado or Ikebana (“Way of Flowers”) and Chado (“The Way of Tea”). The cultural practice of incense is rooted in the Buddhist practice of spiritual purification, and it was later catapulted as a pastime among the nobles during the decadent age of the Heian period. The “incense parties” of the later periods helped shape the ceremonial practice of Kodo as we know it today: a monko (“聞香”) conducted in silence as guests take turns guessing various kinds of blended incense that is offered by the master.

History of Shoyeido Incense Company

Shoyeido was established more than 300 years ago in the ancient capital of Japan. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace, the establishment is housed in a traditional Sukiya-style building along the bustling modern street of Karasuma. It was here, that founder Moriyoshi Rokuzaemon Hata set up shop after his formal training and service at the Imperial Palace where he learnt the court’s ancient traditions. Their name derives from the three kanji characters: Sho (松) “pine” Ei (栄) “prosperity” Do (堂) “company”, with pine representing the highest quality of wood in Japan. True to this name, Shoyeido has been preserving the art of incense-making by hand blending the finest fragrant wood and raw materials.

Japanese Incense from the Finest Ingredients

Shoyeido incense is handcrafted by master blenders using centuries-old knowledge passed down through twelve generations. The fragrant woods agarwood (Jinko) and sandalwood (Byakudan) form the raw materials of Japanese incense. Agarwood is a richly aromatic resin that is developed through the natural decomposition process of some rare trees, and its medicinal benefits were well recognised among many cultures since ancient times. A careful selection of plant-based ingredients and spices are finely ground and combined together with pure water and a natural binding material called tabuko, which allows all of the elements to come together without the need of a bamboo core. Crucial to this refined process is achieving a delicate balance and ratio mixture, as well as harnessing control over temperature, moisture and drying time to achieve its resulting fragrance.

Shoyeido Incense in Everyday Life

Once a pastime of the court aristocracy, incense appreciation is now popularised in Japan and their seamless integration in everyday life is a true reflection of Shoyeido’s dedication to pushing the ancient craft forward. As forms of modern living drive us further away from the natural world, the gift of scent offers a reawakening of our primordial senses.