Per-fumum
Indirect Incense
How To Enjoy Natural Incense
I. Soradaki
A classic method of burning incense using ash and charcoal.
This technique has been used, In Japan, for scenting spaces and clothing since the Heian Period (794-1185 AC).
[ Suitable for ]
Resins, wood, herbs, our granulated incense blends, Nerikoh (kneaded incense balls).
[ Utensils ]
Ash, charcoal, incense burner, tweezers
HOW TO BURN IN THE SORADAKI STYLE
1. Place the ashes in an incense burner.
2. Light the candle using the matches.
3. Over the flame, heat the charcoal, while holding it with the tweezers. It will take 3-5 minutes until the charcoal is nicely hot and glowing. It is then ready for use. Place the hot charcoal on top of the ashes.
4. Put a small amount of natural incense next to, or directly on top of the hot charcoal. It will start releasing its scent as it begins to smoke.
Depending on the intention or motivation you set yourself, each ceremony is inherently unique. Therefore we encourage you to allow yourself the freedom to discover your own practice in the art of scent.
II. Monko
Monko is literally translated as "listening to scent".
This method is utilised in the Japanese Kodo incense ceremony, so that the subtle fragrance of woods such as Oud (agarwood) for example, which is precious and sensitive to heat, can be fully appreciated.
Rather than "burning", the Monko technique induces more a "warming" of the incense, that allows their delicate fragrances to be released gently and slowly. With this method it is possible to enjoy the same piece of wood incense multiple times.
[ Suitable for ]
Oud and other woods
[ Utensils ]
Ash, charcoal, incense burner, mica plate, ash press, metal sticks
HOW TO BURN IN THE MONKO STYLE
3. Stir the ash with the metal stick to aerate it. Then place the hot charcoal in the centre of the ash.
5. Pierce a hole through the ash, with the end of the metal stick, from the highest point down to the charcoal. This hole will transport the heat.
6. Place the mica plate over the hole.
7. Place a small amount of natural incense in the centre of the mica plate.
As it warms it will start to release its subtle fragrance.
1. Place the ashes in an incense burner.
2. Light the candle using the matches.
3. Over the flame, heat the charcoal while holding it with the tweezers. It will take 3-5 minutes until the charcoal is nicely hot and glowing. It is then ready for use.
4. Mold the ash, using the ash press and by turning the burner in a clockwise direction as you press the ash in and up, thus forming a mound over the warm charcoal, which now should be covered by the ash.
[ Listening to scent ]
1. Hold the incense burner with your left hand.
2. With your right hand, make a circle with your thumb and the rest of your fingers and place it over the opening of the incense burner.
3. Bring your face closer to this circular opening you create with your right hand.
4. ‘Listen’ to the fragrance, through the space between your thumb and index finger, by deeply breathing in through your nose.
MODULE INCENSE BURNER FOR ALL
In collaboration with Korean ceramic artist Saeam Known, we made our original incense burner "Module" which is carefully hand-crafted, piece by piece at her Berlin studio.
Our goal was to create the ultimate incense burning set especially for natural pure Oud to introduce an easy and convenient way, but also offer the classic ‘soradaki’ method with charcoal and ash.
For Oud
Just warming a tiny piece of Oud on the ceramic plate over the candle. Gently releasing its pure scent without being burned directly.
A clean and elegant indirect type of diffusing the magical scents. This is the way Oud deserves it — slow and sustainable vaporising and controlling the heat.
For resins
On the other plate you can equally enjoy different resins/woods with ‘soradaki’ method using charcoal and ash.
INCENSE BURNERS / INCENSE CASES / KOGO
INCENSE SET : TREASURE BOXES
NATURAL INCENSE : WOOD / RESIN
UTENSILS
Intrigued by the ways in which ancient civilisations and indigenous cultures around the world used natural incense and healing herbs, we are ever exploring the world of incense.
They can be burnt for spiritual rituals, medicinal treatments, cleansing ceremonies and of course just for pure aromatic pleasure. Enjoy and master the art of scent, experimenting with fire, resins, woods and smoke in a way that is most suitable for you and your surroundings.
All our incenses are of the highest quality and made from 100% pure natural materials, collected in an ecological and ethical manner.
R Y O K O PER-FUMUM