OEDO-KOH
Floral incense "OEDO-KOH"
In Japan, there was a time called Edo, which lasted 260 years from the 1600s to the 1800s.
People of different classes, such as samurai, peasants, craftsmen, and tradesmen, created their own culture during this time.
In particular, people of Japan’s capital city at the time, Edo (today’s Tokyo), enjoyed the four seasons and the company of other people, giving life to a culture brimming with vitality.
This saw the emergence of words like iki.
Iki was used to describe things like a gentleman’s mindset such as when men amuse themselves, the allure of a mature lady, or simple attire that enshrouded glamour beneath. The spirit of iki is still revered amongst the intellectual fashionistas in Japan.
Iki represents an urban "dandyism" of the Edo era. That can be iki by doing a small thing to give attention to something that would usually not be noticed. For example, let's say that we displayed a single flower in a small vase when your guests come to your home. It is a small display, but it gives people coming into the room a sense of comfort and a feeling of season. That would be an example of an iki arrangement. Iki can also be expressed in the thoughtfulness of one person towards another.
This series was created by master incense artisans from modern Tokyo, using fragrance to represent a range of Edo-inspired scenes.
As you light the incense, an enticing wisp of smoke beckons you to Edo’s urbane world of iki. The aroma will send you back in time to Japan’s good old Edo period.
OEDO-KOH tells six different stories of people from this era.
The drifting scent may awaken memories that lie deep within you.
OEDO-KOH
OEDO-KOH
Aloeswood 60 sticksThe fragrance that was most beloved by noble and sophisticated people was kyara, or aloeswood. Kyara was popular among court nobles since around the eighth century in Japan.
They enjoyed the scent while they wore attire infused with the fragrant smoke transferred from kyara. The custom continues to this day among professionals working in the Japanese dance and music industries.
This incense was designed to embody a beautiful princess clothed in the scent of kyara. Discover spiritual luxury with this Aloeswood fragrance.
OEDO-KOH
Peony Tree 60 sticksIn Edo, there used to be a Hanamachi geisha quarter called Yoshiwara, designed for men. The quarter was home to many beautiful women, and those known as oiran were particularly idolized for possessing unparalleled beauty, intellect, and talent.
Oiran would wear the most gorgeous of costumes and high footwear, and walk the main street accompanied by many servants.
The flower reminiscent of an oiran is the peony, and this incense has the fragrance of this gorgeous and noble flower—like the lingering scent left in the tracks of an oiran.
The aroma of this Peony Tree fragrance is sure to evoke a feeling of elation in you and all those around you.
OEDO-KOH
Cherry Blossoms 60 sticksThe Japanese love cherry blossoms. The flowers bloom very briefly in spring, and upon gazing at them people muse about the transience of life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the blossom. They revel in having celebratory get togethers underneath a cherry tree, referring to the activity as hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. Women who enjoy traditional Japanese clothing wear kimono and obi (kimono sashes) with illustrations of cherry blossoms to relish the moment of spring.
The Japanese also adore the cherry blossom petals that have already fallen from the tree. They enjoy seeing up until when the roads and rivers are carpeted with these petals.
This incense is an aromatic profusion of such cherry blossom petals. The scent of this Cherry Blossoms fragrance is sure to stir up memories of spring’s delight.
OEDO-KOH
Chrysanthemum 60 sticksIn China, since ancient times, chrysanthemums were believed to be enshrined by a “spirit”. The flower is also considered sacred in Japan, as well as being a symbol of “longevity” because of its long life-span in bloom. This incense is an aromatic rendering of chrysanthemum flowers. The floral scent of chrysanthemums will soothe your spirit and clear your thoughts.
OEDO-KOH
Pine Tree 60 sticksIn Japan, pine trees are highly regarded as noble and luxurious, so much so that they add tama, meaning jewelry, to the tree’s Japanese name matsu.
Reputedly, many pine trees were planted along the travelers’ road called Tokaido during the Edo period. The steps of travelers must have been sure and mighty while pine trees watched over them as they walked.
This incense is an aromatic rendering of beautiful pine trees as seen in landscape paintings of the time. The scent of this Pine Tree fragrance is sure to bring calmness and peace to your state of mind.
OEDO-KOH
Water Drop 60 sticksPublic bathhouses called yuya thrived during the Edo period, which were developed as an amusement version of the original custom of “cleansing the body” in the 700s.
Around the time that towns built their own yuya bathhouses, people occasionally enjoyed small banquets after basking in the hot water.
To this day, the style of yuya bathhouses is preserved through sento and onsen in Japan.
This incense has a fragrance that brings to mind the warm steam from hot water, and the gentle aroma from your skin after stepping out of a bath.
The scent of Water Drop will bring tenderness to your heart.
(60 pieces for each fragrance & includes an incense stand)
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