A thousand years ago, Murasakishikibu composed the grand love story, The Tale
of Genji, a reflection of flamboyant dreams and the emptiness of the worldly pleasures of nobles in Heian period.  This story, the world's oldest novel, consists of fifty-four chapters and from another point of view can be appreciated as a "tale of fragrance".

When Koh was first introduced to Japan in the 7th century, it was burned as a part of Buddhist religious rituals; but gradually it spread to more practical and sophisticated uses among Heian nobles. The elegant and tasteful Koh culture developed in a unique way with the maturing of the unique culture of Japan.  Koh became the embodiment of
intelligence and sensitivity of Heian nobles.  It eloquently described their aesthetic sense and indicated their social status, as Koh ingredients are too precious and expensive for common people to obtain.

Let's look at Chapter 32 of the grand love story also known as Umegae, for an example.  According to this chapter, “When people have time to spare officially or privately, they performed Koh blending and burning.”
In this chapter, Akashinohime, Prince Genji’s beloved daughter, is to be accepted as Crown Princess and the preparation of this celebration begins with performing Koh blendings.

Genji orders his lovers to blend Koh for the matrimonial celebration. “Koh materials both old and new are put together and sent to each of his four lovers, so that they could compound a new fragrance for Akashinohime.”  Koh blending as well as Koh imbuing were women’s jobs in those days, but Genji tried Koh blending himself for pleasure.

“Sounds of grinding are quite noisy recently”.  Kohboku ingredients were ground to powder and grinding sounds were heard everywhere.  The Neriko which is kneaded from ground powder was poured into earthenware, laid at the waterside, and then buried under the soil.  Finally, it is burnt in the early evening when the air contains moisture, because Koh fragrance wafts through the damp air more effectively.  On such an evening, Takimonoawase (the Koh contest) took place and Hotarumioya was ordered to be a judge.

“Kuroho” blended by Lady Asagao  to expresse her hearty congratulations, is appreciated as “graceful and quiet.  Baika by Murasakinoue is “gorgeous and modern, containing something special with note of thoughtfulness”.  Being very intelligent, Murasakinoue was fully
aware of the season of Akashinohime’s entry to the court, the season of plum blossoms.  Therefore, she blended just such a modern fragrance for Lady Akashi. The Judge Hotarumiya hightly praised her blending.