
"Ten Virtues of Kō",
a traditional listing from the Muromachi era in the fifteenth century,
describes the benefits derived from the proper and correct use of quality incense:
1.
It sharpens the senses.
2.
It purifies mind and body.
3.
It removes impurity.
4.
It awakens the spirit.
5.
It is a companion in solitude.
6.
It brings a moment of peace in turbulent times.
7.
When it is plentiful, one never tires of it.
8.
When there is little, still one is satisfied.
9.
Age does not change its efficacy.
10.
Used everyday, it does no harm.

The fresh incense paste made of finely grounded aromatic woods, resins, and essences are slowly pressed through fine linear molds to be transferred to be transformed into delicate lines of raw incense. Photo: Juttoku
What is the philosophy, role, and significance of incense in the Japanese culture? Could you also elaborate on its ceremonial, spiritual or religious role?
At its origin, shortly after Buddhism was introduced in Japan, selected aromatic woods were burnt as offerings to the gods, transporting the precious scents through its smoke. Not too long after, the Heian nobles cultivated a specific type of "cultural scent development" as a way to indulge in scents without religious connections. This later led to "Kodo", now known as the traditional incense ceremony where one learns to "listen" to the scent of different aromatic woods in order to compare and to cultivate the senses.
Nowadays, it is still very common to use incense as an offering in temples, shrines, and family altars, so the gesture remains alive in current Japanese culture. However, the function of incense has less of a connection to its original religious or spiritual role. We were interested in the ceremonial aspect of incense burning—in the form of a daily practice that is connected to an intimate olfactory encounter—and the possibility of transferring this ancient gesture into a more contemporary ritual.
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Photo: Paul Aidan Perry
AOIRO is a studio of olfactory design, founded by the Japanese-Austrian duo Shizuko Yoshikuni and Manuel Kuschnig. Their expertise lies in the olfactory interpretation of concepts, transforming these into individually tailored signature scents and olfactory identities for both fragrance products and airdesign in space. They collaborate with visual, interior or sound designers to integrate scent as an element to connect, support and amplify other senses within a holistic spatial or scenographic concept. For their own creations, AOIRO focuses on the more ritualistic aspect of using scent. Their products come with a simple ritual to incorporate into everyday life so that one can explore a new olfactory experience and take a moment to listen to the scent.

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