Neriko (kneaded incense) is one of the oldest forms of Japanese incense. Powdered aromatic woods and spices are kneaded together with honey or plum pulp, then aged for months. Unlike stick incense, neriko is never lit with a flame. It is gently warmed over charcoal buried in ash, a method called soradaki, which has been used since the Heian period to scent rooms and clothing. The fragrance drifts softly through the room with almost no smoke.
What You Need
- Kneaded incense (neriko): see our Kneaded Incense collection.
- An incense burner deep enough to hold ash: see Incense Burners.
- Incense ash to fill the burner, such as Gyokushodo Naniwa Incense Ash.
- Incense charcoal, such as Shoyeido Miyakozumi Square Charcoal, which lights easily with a lighter.
- Metal chopsticks or tongs to handle the hot charcoal: see Incense Tools.
How to Enjoy Neriko
- Put the ash in the burner and stir it with the chopsticks so it is soft and airy.
- Hold the charcoal with the chopsticks and light it. Wait until it is glowing evenly all over.
- Set the lit charcoal on the ash and cover it lightly with ash.
- When the ash has warmed up, place one piece of neriko on the ash beside the charcoal. The fragrance will begin to spread after a short while.
If the neriko scorches or you see smoke, it is too hot. Move it a little farther from the charcoal.
For a softer, cleaner scent, you can place a mica plate (ginyo) on the ash above the charcoal and set the neriko on the plate instead of directly on the ash.
When you are finished, take the neriko out, let it cool completely, and then throw it away.
Using an Electric Incense Heater
If you prefer not to handle charcoal, an electric incense heater is an easy alternative. Place the neriko on the heating plate and use a low temperature setting.
Safety Notes
- The burner, ash, and charcoal stay very hot for a long time. Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface and do not touch it while in use.
- Never leave burning charcoal unattended, and keep it away from children and pets.
- Keep neriko in its container, away from heat and direct sunlight, so it does not dry out.
Illustrations courtesy of Yamadamatsu.
