Genjiko
This is based on an old game of enjoying incense. The design uses all 54 of the geometrical design pattern symbolizing the combinations of the fragrances and is like the smoke from burning the incense.
A geometrical design pattern originally symbolizing combinations of incense fragrances.
It is of particular interest that there are few people in Japan who have ever heard of the Japanese incense ceremony, while at the same time are very familiar with the Genji-mon (Genji Crests) that were assigned to the Chapters of “The Tale of the Genji” by early Incense Masters for the purpose of playing the incense game “Genji-ko.” Genji-ko is one of several “Incense Games” called “Kumiko.”
The Genji-mon began showing up on the ukiyoe woodblocks of the Edo period (1603-1867) And many people associate the Genji-mon with the original Genji chapters instead of Kodo.
Kumiko (Ku-me-koh) are the incense games played during a Kodo ceremony. These games are a fun and enjoyable way to experience the pleasures of incense with your friends and family.
There are almost limitless variations of Kumiko to enjoy within the Kodo style of incense burning. Traditional Kodo includes the burning of three to six types of raw aloeswood, and occasionally, sandalwood.
The incense games are often based on seasonal themes, history, classic literature, waka poetry, or travel.
In Kodo, the term “listening to incense” is used and symbolizes the attention and mindfulness paid to each fragrant wood in the ceremony.
The idea of all of these incense games is to enjoy the process of listening to each fragrant wood. These are not contests but simply methods for enjoying the fragrances and reawakening our sense of smell. There are no winners or losers in Kodo, just the simple elegance of enjoying fine incense.
http://www.japanese-incense.com/genji.htm
Tags: genji monogatari, genjiko, genjimon, incense, kamon, kodo, kumiko, tales of genji