Incense sticks · Kyoto · Musk

Premium hand-rolled incense crafted from pure natural ingredients, containing an original blend of aromatic woods, resins and spices to deliver a rich, mysterious scent that awakens the senses. Presented in a wooden paulownia box, these clean-burning sticks create a powdery-sweet fragrance with subtle fruity undertones, perfect for  creating a comforting but vibrant atmosphere.

The Craft. Japanese artisans (kohshi) hand-roll each stick using natural aromatic woods and resins, following meticulous techniques passed down through generations. The formulation contains sandalwood and resinous benzoin, evoking the deep aroma of natural musk-a rare ingredient originally derived from the reproductive secretion of a male deer. These slender sticks burn slowly and cleanly, releasing fragrance that requires patient appreciation in the tradition of kōdō, the 'way of incense', which calls for 'listening' to the incense rather than simply smelling it. Kōshi possess refined olfactory expertise, the craft demanding deep understanding of natural aromatics, patience in shaping and precision in blending.

The Heritage. Incense making in Japan began over 1,400 years ago when, along with wise teachings, Buddhist monks carried fragrant secrets from China and Korea. What started as sacred temple smoke gradually evolved into a sophisticated art form during the Heian period, when Japanese aristocracy embraced it as self-expression. The practice reached new heights during the Muromachi and Edo periods with the establishment of kōdō, the ceremonial appreciation of incense. Through centuries of change, master craftsmen passed down their aromatic knowledge through family lineages, creating an unbroken chain where ancient techniques still breathe life into modern incense, filling contemporary spaces with the same meditative essence that once perfumed imperial courts.

The Maker. Kousaido is a young workshop based in Kyoto, dedicated to creating fragrances that reflect the charm of this ancient 'city of temples'. The artisans at Kousaido continue the tradition of Japanese incense-making, hand-rolling each stick to create harmonious fragrances that honour both classical formulas and contemporary sensibilities. The workshop maintains the meticulous standards of kōdō, where patience, precision and deep understanding of natural aromatics are essential to creating incense worthy of meditation halls and modern homes alike.