Nippon Kodo Oedo-Koh incense
This range of incense from Nippon Kodo refers to the period in Japanese history known as Edo. At that time, the capital was Edo (now Tokyo). Each fragrance in this range evokes different situations from everyday life during this period.
Peony Tree
The love potion of the geisha quarter. The sweet scent of the peony is extraordinarily charming and was very popular in Edo. Its distinctive shape is reminiscent of a beautiful geisha, and when you look at a peony flower, you can imagine the music and dancing of the geisha quarter. It was an exclusive world, reserved for a privileged clientele. It is said that the time spent by customers in the teahouses was measured by incense sticks.
The scent of the peony, the 'queen of flowers', evokes this magnificent, evanescent world.
Nippon Kodo code: #38202
Water Drop
The hustle and bustle of the bath house, where neighbours laugh and splash together. A warm and friendly fragrance for the end of the bath.
Private baths did not exist in the Edo period, which is why public baths were built. The first steam baths were replaced by large bathtubs. These baths were egalitarian places, as customers were undressed and rubbed shoulders with each other regardless of age, sex or even rank.
Water Drop incense has a floral fragrance reminiscent of a lotion used in those days as soon as you got out of the bath.
Nippon Kodo code: #38206
Aloeswood
Incense ceremonies were a practice of nobles, feudal lords and other wealthy people. They were also very popular among ordinary citizens, who did not have access to genuine fragrant woods, and frequently appear in Kabuki and Joruri theatre works. The word ‘kyara’, meaning ‘aloe wood’, even became a general term for ‘something wonderful’. Hair wax that evoked the scent of aloe wood was also extremely popular. Experience the scent and understand why it was considered the most precious of all fragrances.
Nippon Kodo code: #38201
Cherry Blossom
The custom of admiring cherry blossoms spread during the Edo period. The Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, which can now be found in groves throughout Japan, was originally an ornamental variety cultivated in the village of Somei, near Edo. Cherry blossom viewing was also an opportunity for the people of Edo to meet, get to know each other and perform: they wore matching kimonos for the occasion and sang and danced to celebrate the arrival of spring. The enchanting scent of cherry blossoms heralds the arrival of this season.
Code Nippon Kodo: #38203
Pine Tree
It is traditionally believed that kami (deities) inhabit evergreen trees. The word matsu means both ‘pine tree’ and ‘to wait’ (for the deity to descend). The pine tree is also part of the happy trio of pine, bamboo and plum, as well as the auspicious pairing of crane and pine. Pine-shaped decorations are displayed during the New Year, and a monumental pine tree is painted on the backdrop of the Noh theatre stage, symbolising the association of the pine tree with good luck and longevity. In ukiyo-e prints, pine trees boldly depicted amid the bustling inhabitants of the Edo period are a classic motif. Enjoy the refreshing scent of the pine tree, which guides travellers and watches over their safe return.
Code Nippon Kodo: #38205
Chrysanthemum
It is said that gardeners in Komagome and Sugamo, two districts of Edo, sparked the craze for chrysanthemums at that time. The people of Edo, who loved fantasy and spectacle, adored these magnificent, fragrant flowers, which they displayed or shaped into various forms. Since ancient times, it was believed that chrysanthemums prolonged life. During the Edo period, the Chrysanthemum Festival became an annual event during which people drank sake infused with medicinal flowers. The sweet and refreshing fragrance of this flower will delight you, just as it delighted the people of ancient Edo.
Code Nippon Kodo: #38204
Oedo-Koh incense is packaged in beautiful paulownia wood boxes. Each box contains 60 sticks 6cm long and a small metal holder. Burning time: approximately 12 minutes.
Produced in Japan by Nippon Kodo
