The Basics of Neri-Koh in Japan:
The use of Koh (incense) and its many ingredients was brought to Japan from China and was originally used for “Ku-koh” for purifying Buddha and avoiding maliciousness. It is believed to have been brought in by the Buddhist monk, Gan-Jin (Jianzhen) around 750 AD. During the Heian period, this practice was developed into what we would call takimono and specifically Japanese kneaded incense balls were named neri-koh. These were made from woods, spices, and herbs, mixed with honey or plum…