Kyukyodo: Multi-Review
Ken from Wa no Kaori lives and works in Kyoto. He is a true gentleman. I believe, the mould and materials used to make him were systematically removed and destroyed after they completed the first one. Otherwise, the world would be functioning much better. It’s a conspiracy theory I am currently trying to get some traction on.
After several lengthy orders, add-ons to my already excessive orders (sorry for the busywork, Ken), and close to a dozen incense houses, I asked him for a recommendation of a house I hadn’t purchased anything from.
He immediately suggested famed Kyoto house Kyukyodo. With a rich 900 plus year history, they are one of the oldest houses in Japan. He told me,
“Their style is very elegant and refined with a distinct Kyoto character”
Sold. I looked them up. Read some stuff. Like a real investigator does. The “watercolor” effect. Is what they say.
Rather than focus on a singular scent, the beauty is in the blend. Let it flow throughout your mind like the ethereal brushstrokes of a watercolor painting.
They didn’t say that part. I just made it up.
Sometimes the pigment is bold… but other times translucent.
When does this color stop and that color begin?
What is color? Does the portion of paper left unpainted serve no purpose? Ludicrosity!
What am I even talking about? Let’s just get to it!
Benizakura: My first impressions were that it was bittersweet. Lightly floral green plants and bark? This may have been too subdued and I couldn’t get a grasp on it yet. The smell of the stick unlit is all medicinal spicy menthol, and I really like it. I got mostly just sweet, comfortable wood on the burn. Somewhat similar to a pine based incense I have from Kousaido, Red Pine. So maybe there are rigid standards for what “red” smells like? It took me a few times of searching but I eventually stumbled into some light salty notes. Then some incredibly unique and dainty little sour notes. Once I found that, this stick won me over.
Seigetsu: Okay. Here we go. This one had immediate depth and intrigue. From my understanding, Seigetsu is a harmonious blending of traditional woods and modern perfume. I can hear them dancing with each other. Yet, with their own space. I’ve been through several higher priced sticks that don’t express the breadth of the gomi as well as this. It’s all there and it comes and goes in surprising little hints, making Seigetsu downright interesting. Repeatedly.
Shoubaikou: Wood forward with a side of wood. From what I can tell, all the Aloeswood from Kyukyodo is blended with varying levels of Sandalwood. This is a solid blend. Fresh, gentle, warm saw dust. Is that offensive? To say it smells like saw dust? I don’t mean it derogatorily, but that’s exactly what this incense is. Dusts of woods. There’s also a hint of sun dried fruits, like maybe raisins or dates. It’s pretty straightforward. You like toasted woods? Have some exquisite toasted woods blended by incense master craftsmen of Kyoto. However, the smokiness won’t overpower the room like a lot of wood forward sticks tend to do. I could smell this all day long. Controlled is the feeling I get.
Shiun: Purple Cloud. The wood dominates this one as well. Fresh green wood though. While incredibly mild and restrained, it is shooting off wisps that approach expressions I’ve only smelled in Kyara. It is very much fresh smelling wood. I think it’s from a heavy use of borneol, but I don’t really know. It’s bitter, but lightly sweet and crisp. It’s present, but I did have to search a bit for the traditional Aloeswood punch. Further listenings revealed distinct a wine aspect. Plumes of ripe, juicy, fruitiness like a purple Mr. Sketch marker. It took quite a few sticks to find the heart of this incense. It is truly dignified.
Murasakino: Expectations run high for these sticks that are at or adjacent to the top. Can the “watercolor” effect create a masterpiece? Full review coming…
I will also eventually try to do a review of the Mukusa no Takimono set. A collection of six incenses that represent traditional kneaded incense from the age of legendary literary character Genji Monotagari.
If I could only use one word to describe Kyukyodo. ‘Measured’ seems fitting. I found that I preferred to sit further away from the stick, rather than up close where the smoke covered the scent a bit too much.
Once I found the right distance, none of the fragrances ever reach levels of displeasure. They all remain easily accessible. Never too much. If anything, they are likely to leave you feeling like you missed something.
For me, it was two things. I was searching for a stronger Aloeswood base. However, not having that turned out to be a nice change of scenery. Maybe the break I needed to branch out from my unhealthy oud addiction? It’s also possible that Kyukyodo is too sophisticated for my infant palate and I’m missing everything. I’ll have to just keep at it. Won’t I?
The other thing that was missing, was because
of an expectation I had that wasn’t met.
I made an assumption that because Kyukyodo uses perfumes (even some synthetics) that the sticks would be loud and possibly headache inducing. I was completely wrong. At times I was even asking, “Where’s the perfume?”
Those perfume materials are incredibly controlled. This is many, many, many (many) years of refinement. I feel stupid for thinking that because Kyukyodo uses perfumes that their products probably wouldn’t be for me. This is for everyone. It’s all in reach and welcoming.
If you have tried any of these incenses OR any of the offerings from Kyukyodo, I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about them.