ブックタイトルEverything about Incense

概要

Everything about Incense

The History of Japan’s IncenseIn Focus5It’s said that incense culture was brought to Japan during the Asuka period(592?710), over 1400 years ago. It started to be used in Buddhist ritual, becamepart of the lives of the aristocracy and warriors, and finally became reallyimportant for the common people. Let’s take a look at this history.Asuka Period (592?710)Buddhism and incense isbrought to JapanIt’s believed that incense started to be used in Japan in the year 538 (another theory says 552) whenBuddhism was brought to the country. The Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”) says that in the year595 a piece of aromatic wood drifted ashore on Awaji Island. Native islanders, who were surprisedwith the fragrance, presented it to the imperial court.Nara Period (710?794)Driving out evil spirits with incenseIncense was mainly offered in front of the Buddhato purify the area and drive away evil spirits.It’s believed that the Buddhist monk Jianzhenbrought it to Japan along with Buddhism and putaromatic wood directly into a flame to bring outits fragrance.Heian Period (794?1192)Incense spreads in the aristocracy’s livesThe aristocracy frequently enjoyed a type ofincense called“Takimono”(kneaded incense),a complicated kneaded mixture of fragrances.People heated Takimono that they had preparedthemselves on charcoal fires, and then used it toperfume their rooms and clothing.34