Japanese Incense - Nankun (Southern Wind)

$129.00  

This variant is currently sold out.

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  • Premium stick incense made in Japan.

     

    Made by a 12th generation company that has been making premium incense for over 300 years, since 1702, with beginnings in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. These products are the preferred incense for most temples in Japan.

    Nankun (Southern Wind) is one of Shoyeido's most precious blends. It uses Agarwood, one of the most rare and precious ingredients of premium incense. Made by Shoyeido artisans with great care, with a traditional method which has been handed to generation to generation.

    Nankun (Southern Wind)

    1 bundle of approx.35 sticks 
    18cm long
    Main Ingredients: High grade Agarwoods, cloves, camphor and other spices. 
    Approx. burning time: 40 min. per stick 

    About agarwood (jin-koh)


    Soft textured and non-scented tree of the genus Aquilaria accumulates crystallized resins while being withered by various natural causes. The longer it is seasoned, the more refined the aroma becomes, often taking several centuries. It is naturally grown in the Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia, India and the Kainan province of China. 
    It is highly valued for Japanese incense ceremonies for its aged aroma, and is also traditionally used for soothing or relaxation purposes. Japanese people have treated Agarwood as a kind of treasure and they created a style for Agarwood appreciation; called Mon-koh. In 16th century, a culture KOH-DO was established.

    The finest quality Agarwood or Kyara are becoming increasingly rare. Much research is being conducted to create Agarwood resin in the world because the matured resin gives the fragrance. Shoyeido are particular about the natural/wild Agarwood. Shoyeido monitor the production of their premium incense, and with respect to the environment of nature, the amount of production of premium incense is limited.

    About Shoyeido

    Shoyeido’s blending process is an art form. Highly trained "masters" draw upon centuries-old secrets to create masterworks of fragrance. These artisans carefully process the quality, balance, and ratio of every hand-selected natural ingredient. The slightest variation in amount or quality of any component can dramatically influence the outcome. Only the finest raw materials are used. 


    Shoyeido places highest importance on ethical sourcing and production and respect for nature, very important given the at times scarce and valuable natural resources involved. They have procured permits from the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry in Japan, and the US Fish & Wildlife Department to validate their natural materials are properly accounted for and responsibly harvested. None of their recipes contain animal ingredients and no testing has ever been done on animals. 

    How best to use incense

    These premium blends are a timeless way to enhance atmosphere. Whether as an accompaniment to work or relaxation, to enliven social settings, or to deepen yoga and meditation practices.

    Burning type incenses are made with ingredients that give off their scents when heated. Most of us are inclined to get close to the burning incense to properly 'sniff' it. However, it is suggested that being a bit far from the burning stick incense is the best way to truly appreciate the fragrance. 

    Shoyeido's incenses are also made for enjoying a lingering scent. The fragrance remains in a room 2-3 hours after it's finish burning. For example in Japan, the host will often burn incense half or 1 hour before guests arrive so that we can feel the subtle elegant fragrance.