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Burning incense using a kōro with ash is an easy process that requires little effort. By following some simple steps, not only will incense sticks burn completely and safely, but the smoke rising from an elegant kōro themed to the season or to one’s decor will add to the experience of listening to the fragrance before and after the incense is burned.
Adding Ash
Preparing the kōro to receive incense is a simple process that requires little more than adding ash. Each kōro requires a different amount of ash depending upon its size and shape, and a practical guideline is to fill the kōro to no more than 80 percent full or to a depth of approximately two inches of ash. When filling a kōro with ash, it is best to do so in an area that is easy to clean and away from breezes, as the ash is very light and can create a mess if not handled carefully.
Once the ash has been added to the kōro, it is a common mistake to compress the ash flat. This is the leading cause of incense sticks not fully burning, because compressing the ash reduces the flow of oxygen and prevents the incense from burning below the surface. Stick incense utilizes the ash as a simple support and requires the ash to remain uncompressed to allow oxygen to pass through it. If the surface of the ash is uneven after being added to the kōro, instead of compressing it, gently tap the bottom and sides of the kōro to allow the ash to settle slightly until the surface is uniform.
Adding Incense
To begin, if the kōro has a lid, it should be removed and placed safely beside the kōro. One of the most asked questions for those new to Japanese incense use is whether to leave the lid on or off. Simply put, the answer is that the lid is not intended to be left on during burning. Instead, the kōro lid is intended to cover the ash between uses to keep the space clean and neat looking, emphasizing the beauty of the kōro rather than the ash within it.
Once the lid is removed, the ash should be stirred to add oxygen. This need not be done each time incense is burned in the kōro; however, over time, the ash will settle and absorb moisture from the ambient humidity. That’s when stirring is needed. The goal of stirring the ash is to incorporate oxygen and break up any clumps that have absorbed moisture. In more humid months or in environments that are more naturally humid, stirring of the ash is required more often. Traditionally, ash is stirred using metal “fire chopsticks” in a clockwise motion. However, any implement that allows the ash to be broken up and “fluffed” can be used. Stirring is easy and takes less than a minute to do, but it ensures that the entire incense stick below the surface of the ash is consumed. As a general guideline, the ash should be stirred until almost no resistance is felt and it appears soft and fluffy.
Next, it’s time to add incense. The incense stick is lit and placed vertically in the center of the kōro with the lit end up, ensuring that any falling ash will be contained by the kōro. The stick should go into the ash effortlessly; if the ash exhibits marked resistance, then it needs to be stirred. How deep to place the incense stick into the ash depends upon the length of the incense stick, with longer sticks requiring more depth in the ash to support them. The goal is to place the stick far enough into the ash that it is securely supported and will not move as the stick’s center of balance changes during burning or if the kōro is bumped or encounters a breeze.
Finally, once the stick is consumed, the lid of the kōro is replaced, hiding the ash within it until the next use.
Ash Maintenance
Maintaining the ash in the kōro is often a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to remove the incense ash from the surface with a sifter or spoon after every burning. This is not necessary, however, as ash can be reused over and over for an extended period with little attention beyond regular stirring.
Safety Precautions
As a final note, remember no matter how Japanese incense is enjoyed, it is indeed burning, and as such a fire hazard. Before burning incense, familiarize yourself with incense safety precautions, and never leave incense unattended or burn where children or pets could come in contact with it.
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This is an excerpt from The Fragrant Path: A Guide to the Japanese Art of Incense. Filled with practical suggestions, useful tips, and in-depth discussions of the history, selection, use, and appreciation of this uniquely Japanese artform, The Fragrant Path offers a rare, in-depth look into the Japanese art of incense.
