Takasago Collection® Gallery Special Exhibition 2025

“Miyabi : Japanese Elegance-1400 Years of Incense Culture”

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Japanese incense culture has a history of more than 1,400 years since fragrant woods drifted ashore on Awaji Island in the year 585. This exhibition explores the theme of miyabi (elegance) through a curated selection of incense implements from the Takasago Collection and reflects on the cultural significance of “incense” to the Japanese people.

With the introduction of Buddhism, Japanese people encountered “incense”. The use of “incense” is essential in Buddhist temples. The containers and utensils used were naturally solemn and grandiose. Later, the Japanese incense culture evolved further: during the Heian period, the art of creating refined blended scents (takimono) flourished; beginning in the Muromachi period, the practice of kōdō (the art of incense smelling) was established. 

Furthermore, from the early modern period onward, incense sticks became popular and were incorporated into the literati taste of sencha (green tea), while tea masters came to prefer the elegance of incense containers. Even in modern times, potters and metalworkers have continued to make incense burners and containers, many of which have become ornaments or collectibles that delight our eyes. In addition, perfume bottles were also made after the modern era with the arrival of Western perfume culture.

The exhibition brings together such works from different periods and for different purposes. We hope this special exhibition offers a broad perspective on the beauty and evolution of Japanese incense culture.

In addition, there will be a special exhibit of ambergris and musk, and an area where visitors can smell the main ingredients (l-Muscone and ambrinol) of these aromas.

We are also pleased to host two special events during this exhibition: the “Experience Monkō to enjoy incense” and “Incense Culture Seminar”. Details and registration are available in Japanese only via the link below.

※Please note that the exhibition does not include the recreated Ranjatai fragrance.