Nippon Kodo Incense Charcoal for Burners, 12 Pieces

Nippon Kodo incense charcoal provides the steady source of heat needed to appreciate aromatic wood and kneaded incense without setting the fragrant material directly alight. The box contains 12 charcoal pieces made for use in incense burners, including a kikigōro prepared for monkō.

Each piece burns for approximately 90 minutes, leaving enough time to observe closely as the fragrance develops. Actual duration and intensity vary with airflow, the way the charcoal is ignited, the depth at which it is placed and the thickness of the ash above it.

This charcoal is a suitable heat source for the Celadon Kikigōro Incense Burner for Kōdō (K-5). Ignite one piece separately using a safe charcoal-lighting setup on a heatproof surface. Wait until it is burning evenly, then handle it only with hibashi or suitable fire tongs and place it in the centre of clean incense ash.

For aromatic wood, cover the charcoal with ash, form a neat mound and create a narrow vertical heat channel. Position a ginyō plate above the channel and place a small piece of wood on top. The ash depth and channel width moderate the heat reaching the plate, allowing the wood to warm gradually rather than burn. For nerikō, prepare the burner according to the indirect-heating method appropriate to the material and vessel.

Never light charcoal in a sealed or poorly ventilated space. Keep the burner on a stable heatproof surface, away from children, pets and flammable materials. Never touch lit charcoal directly or leave it unattended.

After the fragrance session, treat the charcoal and surrounding ash as hot until they have cooled completely. Confirm that no ember remains before disposal or storage. Keep unused pieces dry in their original box, away from moisture and ignition sources. The box contains charcoal only; the burner, ash, ginyō plate, tools and fragrant material are sold separately.