Yamada-Matsu
| Contents | 30 x aloeswood incense sticks |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yamada-Matsu |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Stick length | 10cm |
| Burning time | 25 minutes |
| Weight | 54g |
| Packaging | Paulownia wood case |
A family business with a distinguished 200 year history, Yamada-Matsu began as a pharmacy in the Edo period (1603-1868) initially supplying raw incense materials to local Buddhist temples before developing their own original recipes – which are still used to manufacture their highly acclaimed natural incenses today. Their traditional incenses are made of some of the finest varieties of agarwood and sandalwood, as well as medicinal herbs and extracts. Located in Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese incense culture, Yamada-Matsu strives to carry on this tradition that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and disseminate it to the wider world.
Also known as oud, agar- or aloes-wood, Jinkō is more valuable by weight than gold, its rich, captivating fragrance treasured by many cultures and religions throughout history. This dark, mystical, aromatic resin forms in the heartwood of aquilaria trees native to southeast Asia, which are pale, light and odourless – until they become damaged and infected by a certain fungus. The resinous wood has a high density and sinks in water, hence jinkō is written in kanji as “sinking incense”. According to folklore, agarwood first appeared in Japan when it drifted ashore onto Awaji island in the 6th century, where the locals picked up on its heady scent when burned. Kyara, found in the highlands of Vietnam, is the most prized type of jinkō – so precious in fact that among Japan’s National Treasures is a priceless piece of kyara named Ranjatai, which is over a thousand years old.
While incense burning has been practiced in Japan since the 6th century with the arrival of Buddhism from China, it wasn’t until the 16th century that incense sticks or senkō became more widespread, and today are the most typical style of incense in Japan. Across Asia, stick incense was often used to measure time, particularly during meditation, and continues to feature in religious rituals besides clearing the air before tea ceremonies. Senkō sticks are made of dried, powdered incense wood and other fragrant extracts mixed with a binding agent called makkō: a clay-like paste made from tree bark. Since Japanese incense sticks do not have a bamboo core they burn more gently and release a delicate scent with very little smoke, making them ideal for perfuming the home.
