This session invites you into a quiet and intimate encounter with agarwood, which is also known as the"king of incense". Along the way, we will share its cultural background, history, and why this legendary material has been treasured across time and regions.
This ceremony allows you to connect with your inner self and fully experience the exquisite resin produced by a specific wood that heals itself from natural damage caused by external factors such as thunder or insect bites. Guided by traditional incense practices, you will learn how to approach agarwood in a refined way: how to hold the incense burner, how to breathe with the aroma, and how to perceive its layers as they unfold. You will experience three exceptional wild agarwood pieces, and have the rare opportunity to handle and observe raw agarwood wood up close.
The session is accompanied by one carefully selected aged Dong Ding oolong, stored for over 25 years, whose warmth and depth quietly support the incense experience.
This is a slow, contemplative session.
You are guided throughout, yet given space to sense, reflect, and form your own impressions, through aroma, taste, and stillness.
Background:
The concept of “listening” to fragrances gave rise to the practice of ‘Monkoh’, which means listening to what the fragrances are telling you.
This practice has been around for 1500 years. The use of incense started in China and developed into an art form in Japan. It was not until the Muromachi period, during the 15th and 16th centuries, that the incense ceremony (kōdō, 香こう道どう) spread among the upper classes in China and Japan. The incense ceremony and appreciation began to influence literature, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies, becoming an intangible and spiritual treasure of the time.
Our session involves the use of the actual highest-grade wild-grown Agarwood pieces in their purest form:
Agarwood (Aloeswood) has become one of the most expensive and valuable raw materials in the world, as it takes at least 50 years to grow and only 0.1cm per year.
Green Qinan Agarwood (highest grade Agarwood) as well as another two top-grade agarwoods from New Guinea, Indonesia and Hue, Vietnam.
In this traditional ceremony session, we use only rare aromatic wood pieces and do not use powder or incense sticks, but they might be available for other sessions to experience.
The session will last about 2h for max. 6 guests.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Before participating in the session, it's best to refrain from wearing perfumes or scented products and eating strongly flavored foods such as onions, garlic, and spices. This will ensure the best experience for all participants.
Date & Location: Please book your private session and communicate preferred date and time at least 7 days upfront.
Address: Snelliuslaan, Amstelveen
* Reservation can be refunded in cash if cancellation/notification was given 48 hours upfront the event. Cancellation within 48 hours, will be refunded as credits for booking new sessions or purchasing products.
