Japanese classification of odors

Japanese classification of odors

Incense culture

Rikkoku:

Traditional Japanese Classifications of odors of fragrances 

Aloeswood is the fragrant, resinous core of the Aquilaria tree (Jinkoh, or "paradise tree", known in India as Agar) - one of the main ingredients of Japanese fragrances.

(Aloeswood Rikkoku literally translates to "Aloeswood of Six Countries")

Kyara:

Gentle and dignified smell with a taste of bitterness. The aristocratic fragrance shows its elegance and grace.

Rakoku:

Sharp and pungent odor, similar to the smell of sandalwood. Its smell is usually bitter, it is like the spirit of a warrior.

Manaka:

The smell of light and variability changes like a woman's mood. [Obviously, the fans of this fragrance were men] A fragrance of good quality if it disappears quickly.

Manaban:

Mostly sweet. The presence of sticky oil as a piece of mica is often a sign that it is the aroma of Manaban. The smell is rough and unrefined, simple as a peasant family.

Sumotara:

Sour at the beginning and end. Sometimes mistaken for Kyara. There is something in it that stands out, uncomfortable as in a servant disguised as a master.

Sasora:

Cool and sour. Quality Sasora is mistaken for Kyara, especially when he is just inflamed. Sometimes the aroma is light and faint, you may even think that the smell is gone. This smells like a monk.

Five qualities (flavors) are used to classify the aromas of aloe wood (Aloeswood):

sweet - reminiscent of the smell of honey or concentrated sugar;

sour - resembles the smell of plums or other sour foods;

hot - resembles the smell of red pepper, been put on fire;

salty - reminiscent of the smell, after wiping with a towel sweat from the forehead or a sluggish smell of ocean water, or when the algae are dried over a fire;

bitter - reminiscent of the smell of bitter herbal medicine.

* From the "Book of Incense", written by Kyoko Morita.