Does Kyara sink in water, or does it need to sink in water to be considered a top grade? The blind pursuit for “sinking” grade agarwoods had opened up a whole new dimension to material substitution. Previous post on zelkova like materials, calocedrus formosana (Xiao-Nan), or even woods like rosewood (truth bringing incense), gaharu buaya; these… [Read More…]
Incense Review – Scents of the Edo Period
In the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the stick incense was invented. Dried herbs were blended, ground into powder, and mixed with binder powder, the powdered bark of the Machilus Thunbergii tree which acts as a glue when wet. The resultant dough could then be extruded or rolled into sticks, and allowed to dry in… [Read More…]
Cardio-protective properties of Agarwood
The cardio-protective properties of Agarwood(particularly Kynam) had been recorded in chinese medical literature for many centuries, with written accounts from many historical chinese physicians. In the traditional Chinese/Han medicine that Japan practices, there is a fabled 速效救心丹 (cardiac rescue pill) that uses kynam as one of its key ingredients. Traditional chinese medicine users in Hainan… [Read More…]
Incense Review – Translucent Path from Shoyeido
Incense : Shokaku (Translucent Path) Brand : Shoyeido Source : Purchased from Japan Price : 9450 yen / 15 sticks (USD $95) Amount Burnt so far prior to this review : 6 sticks Taste profile : Sweet : +++ Bitter : very slight tinge Sour: very slight tinge Scent characteristics : Texture – Mellow, soft, ethereal … [Read More…]
The Importance of Incense Stick Angle
I felt rather inspired and compelled to write this article after an enjoyable meetup with Mr Stephan S. from Mexico, whom had stopped by Singapore for a while. I’m extremely impressed the olfactory prowess of Stephan which I believe to be a notch above mine (I hope to invite him to write a guest article… [Read More…]
Incense Review – Battle of the Tangy notes!
Apologies for the slow update, this article was taking quite a while to write and required several revisitations to the respective incenses over a few days before I could finalize it. It is into its 7th revision now and I’m publishing it for the time being, subjected to further edits. I thought I would… [Read More…]
Kyara versus Shin-Kyara
The subject of Shin Kyara is rather new and foreign to people outside of Japan, but this definition/concept has been known domestically, in certain incense schools for a very long time! Some incense companies have been substituting Kyara with Shin-kyara in their Rikkoku sets as a cost cutting measure. Basically Shin Kyara is just… [Read More…]
Incenses from Kogado 香雅堂
This is by far the ultimate pure mysore sandalwood stick I’ve ever came across in Japanese Incenses! Having had several hours of heavy rain where I am, perhaps this picture outside my window is the most apt in describing the exact olfactory experience during the burn process of this incense, tranquil, cool, sweet, misty with bright sparkles. At the back of my head, the Phantom of the Opera’s Music of the Night plays at half its usual speed.
Incense Review – Hana-no-sho from Gyokushodo
Incense : Hana-No-Sho Brand : Gyokushodo Source : Purchased from Japan Price : 2100 yen / 35 grams (USD $21?) Amount Burnt so far prior to this review : 1 box Taste profile : Sweet : +++++ Scent characteristics : Texture – Soft creamy Binder notes – almost none detectable … [Read More…]
Scent classification by the Chinese
I’ve had a copy of this diagram for quite a while, a common diagram used by the chinese when it comes to perfumery and other scent related applications. Decided to spend the past week translating it so that more people can get access to the information.. so here it is!.. Basically, they had… [Read More…]