[Antique] Green, Gold Crain pattern round shape Incense Holder / Burner - Mukoh Matcha Selected

[Mukoh Matcha Selected]

※These antiques were collected out of a fondness for 'Mukoh Matcha,' so details such as the historical background and the creator are unknown.

[Koro (Incense Holder / Burner)]

W:9cm / H:12cm

In Japan, the “Koro" or incense burner originally held significance not just for enjoying fragrances but also for purifying spaces with scent. However, during the Heian period, a culture emerged purely dedicated to the enjoyment of fragrances, marking the beginning of “Monko," an early form of the art of incense appreciation. By the Kamakura period, a method known as “Monko," appreciating the scent of a single piece of incense wood, was established. In the Muromachi period's Higashiyama culture, incense appreciation, alongside tea ceremonies and ikebana, became a collaborative cultural activity where people gathered. As the Edo period unfolded and the warrior class's tea ceremonies flourished, feudal lords began to heavily utilize incense burners for aesthetic appreciation. Gradually, they found use in affluent merchant households and, after the Meiji Restoration, started being employed as decorations in alcoves.

In recent times, there has been a growing trend of people enjoying incense as a hobby.

[Fragrances effects]

1. **Relaxation and Stress Reduction:** Certain scents can influence the nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are thought to contribute to stress reduction and anxiety relief.

2. **Improved Concentration:** Some fragrances can enhance focus and concentration. Scents like rosemary and peppermint are believed to stimulate cognitive function.

3. **Enhanced Sleep:** Scents such as lavender, chamomile, and balsam have relaxing effects that may contribute to promoting high-quality sleep.

4. **Mood Enhancement:** Certain scents can stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain, uplifting mood. Citrus scents and vanilla, for example, have been reported to evoke positive emotions.

5. **Stimulation of Memory:** Specific scents are easily associated with memories, facilitating recollection. This is linked to the brain's processing of information related to smell.

6. **Aromatizing Space:** Introducing particular scents into a space can set the ambiance and create a comfortable environment.