Incense
Incenses play a vital part not only in the spiritual world, but also in many homes, where they help to create a pleasant, calming and refreshing atmosphere.
Get to know Shoyeido
Japanese incenses hold a well-renowned place in the world of essences. One of its most acclaimed producers is Shoyeido, the manufacturer of our products as well. The company is based in Kyoto and has been using ancient techniques and recipes for more than twelve generations.
Incenses play a vital part not only in the spiritual world, but also in many homes, where they help to create a pleasant, calming and refreshing atmosphere.
Get to know Shoyeido
Japanese incenses hold a well-renowned place in the world of essences. One of its most acclaimed producers is Shoyeido, the manufacturer of our products as well. The company is based in Kyoto and has been using ancient techniques and recipes for more than twelve generations.
What makes Shoyeido incenses stand out is the fact that they consist of only natural components. Their most common ingredients are sandal- and agarwood, herbs, spices, or patchouli. After the grinding process, the elements are mixed with water and a natural binding material called “tabuko” (machilus tunbergii). Since Shoyeido products don’t contain animal ingredients and are not tested on them, they don’t negatively affect the environment.
Finally, for those who are sensitive to smoke or strong scents, Shoyeido offers a great solution: due to the solely natural components, burning these incenses doesn’t result in headaches or other health problems.
You can learn more about the incenses on Shoyeido's website.
Koh-do – “the way of the fragrance”, or incense ceremony
The long history of incenses in the Japanese culture gave birth to the tradition of “Koh-do”, or “incense ceremony”. It is a ritual led by professional masters in “Koh” rooms, during which a game is involved, where the participants’ task is to guess the scents that are being burned. Although the ceremony has many rules and traditions, Koh-do has its informal versions as well, since its sole purpose is to familiarize people with incenses and teach them to “listen” to scents.
The ten virtues of Koh:
1. It brings communication with the transcendent
Incenses have been used during religious rituals for thousands of years. They both blunt and sharpen your senses, which can enable communication with supernatural powers.
2. It refreshes mind and body
Thanks to their natural ingredients, Shoyeido incenses improve your wellbeing, and their calming presence helps to appease negative thoughts.
3. It removes impurity
Many ingredients of Shoyeido incenses have antibacterial effects, which help to neutralise unpleasant odours and purify the atmosphere in your house.
4. It brings alertness
Ingredients, such as cinnamon or cloves can make you more alert, while flowery scents provide a fresh atmosphere for the whole household.
5. It is a companion in solitude
Incense has been an essential component of meditation for a long time. It enhances your immersion and helps to find your inner voice.
6. In the midst of busy affairs, it brings a moment of peace
The rising smoke and the aroma of the incense help to bring peace and calmness after a long and stressful day.
7. When it is plentiful, one never tires of it
In our busy and modern world, pure and natural scents can help us to take a moment and slow down. Pleasant memories often become attached to smells, which can help you to evoke and relive even childhood memories.
8. When there is little, still one is satisfied
Given its high-quality and natural components, even a small stick of Shoyeido incense can provide a pleasant and calming environment for the whole household.
9. Age does not change its efficacy
Due to their natural ingredients, the scent of Shoyeido products does not fade away. Their aroma becomes deeper and even more mature, just like wine’s.
10. Used every day, it does no harm
While most incenses contain artificial and flammable ingredients, Shoyeido incenses only consist of natural products, which enables their everyday use without any health risks.
