This is a very important topic, yet rarely discussed and clarified internationally. In the western world, the understanding of Eastern (or oriental) incense culture is largely confined to Japanese and Indian incense. As the founder of a brand inheriting Chinese incense culture, I feel a great responsibility, not only to operate Neuma as a business project, but also to promote the authentic Chinese incense culture.
After two years of in-depth professional study in China and daily devotion to the business, I try to address this topic from a comprehensive perspective.
Photo: Beijing Lama Temple. In East Asia, Buddhist culture has greatly promoted the use of incense because people regard incense as a messenger to communicate with deities.
First of all, the oriental incense we are discussing here mainly refers to Chinese incense, not the styles of Japanese and Indian incense. China, as one of the world's oldest civilizations, has formed its unique features and concept inheritance in its incense culture throughout its long history.
To answer this question, we have to start with the origin of the word "incense". According to "Shuowen Jiezi" (an ancient Chinese dictionary), the Chinese character for incense was represented by two concepts - "he" (grain) and "xun" (burning firewood). This refers to the process of burning food, which creates a pleasant aroma that provides a comforting and healing feeling - hence the birth of the concept of a desirable aroma, or "incense".
Photo: Chinese character of "incense"
In the narrow sense of "Chinese incense", there are three key aspects that represent its soul and essence.
Firstly, incense and medicine share the common origin.
Chinese incense culture has an inseparable connection with traditional Chinese medicine. Most of the spices in the incense culture have medicinal uses and are referred to as "fragrant medicines" in Chinese pharmacology.
The fundamental text of Chinese medicine, "Huangdi Neijing" （also translated as The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine) , introduces "incense fumigation" as a method of treatment, pioneering the theory that incense and medicine originate from the same source - thus establishing what we can call "aroma therapy".
Photo: The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, is regarded as the essential text of Chinese herbs and healing
Based on the basic theory and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, ancient perfumers would create incense not merely by combining pleasing fragrances, but also by acquiring a thorough understanding of the medicinal effects of different spices.
Secondly, it maintains an inherent logic and system.
The principle of incense being combined according to the theory of Five Elements is based on the concepts of Yin, Yang, Five Elements and the common source of incense and medicine. This forms the theoretical foundation of the incense making process, emphasizing not only the therapeutic effect, but also the balance and harmony between different aromas.
Chen's Incense Formula on the combination of incense states: 'The method of harmony is valuable in making all fragrances one body.' This shows that the combination of incense is like a TCM doctor prescribing medicine, requiring thorough research on the medicinal properties and modification methods of incense.
Therefore, it is known that blending incense is more difficult than compounding Chinese medicine. On the basis of understanding the theory of medicine, it also requires an artistic sense and an olfactory aesthetic.
Photo: Chinese incense making, preparing all the incense medicine
Lastly, incense is also a lifestyle art and provokes philosophical thoughts.
Chinese from ancient times used incense to enhance aesthetics, display personality, and practice spiritual rituals. The refinement of incense into an art, beyond its medicinal use, is a feature that's unique to the oriental culture.
The most famous four elegant pastimes during the Song Dynasty （AC 960-1279) include arranging flowers, tea ceremony, incense burning, and hanging paintings. The literati of the Song Dynasty brought the incense culture to its climax with their fascination for incense, establishing aesthetic layers of scents. This transformed the activity of incense appreciation from a luxury to a refined elegance.
The renowed Japanese Kōdō, or "Way of Incense," also originated from China. Monk Jianzhen（AC 688-763）of the Tang Dynasty brought the rituals of incense from China to Japan, forming what is now known as "Kōdō." Hence, he is revered as the origin of Japanese incense art. From then on, Japan began a series of innovations and inventions revolving around incense ceremonies.
Photo：Partial of "The Story of Eastern Expedition Scroll" was painted in 1298 (the sixth year of Yongren, during the Kamakura era in Japan). The work vividly depicts the various hardships faced by Monk Jianzhen during his voyage east, as well as the warm welcome and hospitality he received upon his arrival in Japan.
During meditation, it is difficult to calm one's mind, but the fragrance of incense can effectively help people release tension. After Kōdō was introduced to Japan, it became an important method for Samurai to train their sensory sensitivity. In China today, whether in temples or daily practice at home, a good natural incense, especially Agarwood, can help to calm and soothe the mind.
In conclusion, China's incense culture is a rich blend of medicinal knowledge, philosophical thought, and artistic expression. This provides a reflection of the unique essence of the Eastern incense soul.
