Incense in Japan
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The burning of incense in Japan began during the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism, which uses incense during rituals and ceremonies. Agarwood was imported into Japan from China via Korea.
Stacks of incense at a temple in Japan
Fragrant scent played an important role at court during the Heian period (image from The Tale of Genji by Tosa Mitsuoki, 1617–91.)
Ranjyatai, a historical kyara wood dating to the 10th century CE, kept at the Shōsōin treasury in Nara
A set of utensils used for incense ceremony
Incense in China
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Incense in China is traditionally used in a wide range of Chinese cultural activities including religious ceremonies, ancestor veneration, traditional medicine, and in daily life. Known as Chinese: 香;
Incense in Japan
…lacquer or other materials were created over the centuries for this purpose, such as kōgō, and kōbako, all of which can be supremely valuable items. Incense in China Kōdō nyūmon (Introduction to The Way of Incense). Kyoto: Tankosha, 1998…
Lidded hill censer (xianglu) with geometric decoration and narrative scenes. Han dynasty, 2nd century BCE
An Eastern Han ceramic hill censer
Bronze incense censer in front of Buddhist temple, Xi'an
Burning incense at a Chinese temple