A Johkohban is a traditional incense tool used for nenko, a method of burning incense for an extended period of time.
Here we introduce the basic method of using a Johkohban with an incense stencil. Incense stencils are available in Spiral and Wave patterns, but the basic method is the same for both.
What You Will Need
Prepare a Johkohban, an incense stencil set (stencil, stencil press, ash press, and leveling board), powdered incense, a lighter, and an incense stick.
Before starting, fill the Johkohban with incense ash.
1. Level the Ash
First, use the leveling board to smooth the ash in the Johkohban.
Then, gently press the surface with the ash press to make it flat and even.
2. Place the Stencil and Add the Incense
Place the incense stencil in the center of the leveled ash.
Fill the grooves of the stencil with powdered incense.
Once the grooves are filled, use the leveling board to spread the incense evenly. Add more incense if necessary.
3. Remove the Stencil
Insert the stencil press into the stencil and press it down until it is approximately halfway into the stencil.
While holding the stencil press in place, slowly lift the stencil and stencil press together straight upward, taking care not to disturb the shaped incense.
Lifting them straight up will help keep the incense pattern neat and intact.
4. Light the Incense
Light one end of the shaped incense. You can use a short piece of lit incense stick to transfer the flame, or use a long-reach lighter.
Once lit, the incense will gradually burn along the pattern.
*Please take appropriate care when handling fire to avoid burns or accidents.
