Kōdō – Accessories & Iwachu Cast Iron Incense Holders ⁽⁸⁾

Kōdō — the Japanese art of appreciating fragrance — is one of Japan's classical disciplines, alongside the tea ceremony and Ikebana. This collection brings together the accessories needed for Kōdō practice and the cast iron incense holders made by Iwachu in Iwate Prefecture.

Kōdō accessories, charcoal, mica and Iwachu cast iron incense holders

The range combines the specific materials of the incense ceremony with quality cast iron objects for everyday use:

Japanese Kōdō charcoal — Wood charcoal discs delivering even, controlled heat, developed specifically for the ceremony. The essential foundation of any Kōdō practice.
Mica plates and Kōdō ash — Mica plates protect precious wood from direct contact with the embers; fine white ash acts as a thermal buffer in the incense vessel — both essential for temperature regulation.
Kōdō tools — Handcrafted specialist instruments for shaping the ash, positioning the mica plate and placing wood pieces.
Iwachu incense holders – textured trays — Flat cast iron trays from Iwate Prefecture in dark blue, light blue, brown and green, with maple leaf or square motifs. Stable, long-lasting, for daily use.
Iwachu incense holders – animal figures — Cast iron holders shaped as sea creatures and leaves: whale, dolphin, seal and leaf forms in black and red. Decorative and functional.

How to use: Kōdō — heating, not burning

In Kōdō, precious wood is gently heated above charcoal separated from the wood by ash and a mica plate. Iwachu cast iron trays also work well as stable holders for incense sticks in everyday use. All objects should be placed on a heatproof surface.

Kōdō accessories and Iwachu holders also make a rare and meaningful gift for anyone who loves Japanese culture, the art of fragrance and cast iron craftsmanship.