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"The Fragrant Path is unquestionably the deepest and most profound book about the subject in the English language written to date. It is exquisitely and thoughtfully done, an effort worthy of the story it narrates. If you're looking for the larger context, the birthing ground for why Japanese incense is what it is, this is instantly the primary guide in the English language."
Olfactory Rescue Service
When I founded Kikoh, the sublime fragrance of Japanese incense started me on my journey along what I began to call "the fragrant path." But the farther I traveled, the more my reverence grew for the traditions that transformed Japanese incense into an art form. As curious customers began to ask questions about Japanese incense, I drew upon my background as a teacher of nearly three decades to provide answers that were well researched, clear, and understandable. Through these answers, The Fragrant Path: A Guide to the Japanese Art of Incense - the first in-depth English-language book on Japanese incense in three decades - was born.
Filled with practical suggestions, useful practices, and in-depth discussions on the Japanese art of incense, The Fragrant Path is divided into four parts that cover distinct aspects of the Japanese art of incense.
I: Origins
Part 1 weaves in meticulous detail the story of the 1,400 years of refinement that have shaped the Japanese art of incense. As this uniquely Japanese art developed interdependently with other art forms, the origins of Japanese incense reflects the influence of poetry, literature, history, and the culture of the time, as well as the individuals who elevated these art forms to their refined states. Presented within an epic storytelling, Part I: Origins provides a comprehensive look into this extraordinary Japanese art form.
II: Selection
In the second part, we look at the rare fragrant woods and primary aromatic ingredients commonly found in Japanese incense. Their sources, characteristics, and natures are described in depth, providing a useful tool to explore the world of fragrance and to deepen the olfactory palette. Also included is information on the basic forms of incense, their qualities and uses, and practical suggestions for where to begin your journey.
III: Use
Consider the third part of this book a “quick start guide.” This section answers some of the questions asked most often by those new to using Japanese incense, such as how to light incense, best practices for burning, safety precautions, how to use incense holders and burners, and how to store the Japanese incense collection you are sure to amass. Filled with practical suggestions, this section covers the basics of safely using Japanese incense.
IV: Appreciation
The final part goes deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of appreciating Japanese incense, learning to listen to incense and open ourselves to the beauty of its rare and fragrant woods and natural aromatics. An introduction to the ritual appreciation of Kōdō and examples of its poetic and literary foundations found in the incense games of kumikō lend detailed clarity to the ritual appreciation of incense. Filled with actions and practices you can take to deepen your appreciation of incense, this section describes ways to value Japanese incense for more than just its fragrance.
Now available world-wide, copies of The Fragrant Path: A Guide to the Japanese Art of Incense have been sold in dozens of countries world-wide, with significant sales in Japan and the US.
What people are saying about The Fragrant Path:
"This is the definitive place to start for English-speaking people curious about the world of Japanese incense who wish to go deeper than the more brochure-like books that were published in the 90's."
- Sara, Goodreads
"This is the most comprehensive book on Japanese incense (in English) that I have found available to date."
- Ed, Amazon
"Absolutely essential, even if you're a long-time student of Japanese incense there's so much to learn here."
- Mike McLatchey, Olfactory Rescue Service
"I knew virtually nothing about Japanese incense before purchasing this book. Reading it has allowed me to better understand its use and how to make informed purchases based on my likes. I'm certain that this book will pay for itself many times over."
- B.J. Lews, Amazon
"The last few chapters of the book, on how to appreciate incense, are the jewel here. The author links incense appreciation to other concepts of time, memory, and experience, largely through Buddhist thought. This section of the book is beautifully written and easy for western minds less familiar with the concepts to access."
- Daryn, Goodreads
"One of the best, most thorough books on Japanese incense in the English language."
- Joe, Amazon
"This is above all a tremendous history of Japan through the lens of incense, and the history itself is presented in an engaging and focused manner. I learned so much more than simply the history of incense itself, which in turn deeply colors and enhances my appreciation of the chapters devoted to incense itself and the experience of it. Masterful presentation, and one that I would come back to repeatedly."
- Will, Goodreads
"This is a truly wonderful book, shining a light on the astonishingly important journey of incense through Japanese history."
- P. Billings, Amazon
*****
Publishing Details:
Published Nov. 21, 2024
Available in the following formats:
eBook:
381 pages.
ISBN-13: 979-8-9916529-0-2
Paperback:
6 x 9 - 352 pages.
ISBN-13: 979-8-9916529-1-9
Deluxe Hardcover:
6 x 9 - 352 pages.
Printed with red casing and deluxe #70 paper.
ISBN-13: 979-8-9916529-2-6
