Koh-shi is word for the person in charge of the entire process of incense making, from the mixing stage to the bundling stage. In other words, a koh-shi is an incense master.

Awaji Island incense is born from traditional incense manufacturing methods, strict quality management and the skill and pride of the koh-shi. This is the deep world of incense that simply can not be imitated by modern mass production methods.

2012 marks the 1300th year since the compilation of the Kojiki (The Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest known book of history. The numerous gods mentioned in the Kojiki are still revered at numerous shrines across Japan and continue to play a major role in the religious and spiritual beliefs of the Japanese people.

According to the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), the oldest shrine in Japan is the Izanagi Jingu, located in Awaji Island: home to koh-shi, or incense artisans. In celebration of the 1300th anniversary of the compilation of the Kojiki, the new product series has been named Fragrances of Japan Collection—The Sakuyakonohana Incenses, after the Princess Konohanasakuya who appears in the Kojiki, with fragrances derived from different flower varieties, reflected in their names.

Each incense stick is 5 3/8".

ELEMENTS

Wood, Fire

MATERIALS

Wood

DIMENSIONS

Length: 6 1/4"
Width: 2 3/8"
Height: 1"

USE & CARE

Handle lit incense with care.
Keep away from mouth.
Use only for intended purpose.

STAFF PICKS