KО̄DО̄: Way of Fragrance
KО̄DО̄: Way of Fragrance is the art of appreciating Japanese incense and involves using incense within the tea room. One of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, alongside flower arrangement and tea ceremony, KО̄DО̄ features all aspects of the tradition, from the tools used to the activities performed. As recounted in folk tales, agarwood first arrived in Japan when a log washed ashore on Awaji Island in 595 CE. The people that found the log noticed how splendidly fragrant it became when put next to a fire and alerted local officials of their discovery.
Incense began developing in Japan in the 6th century CE as a result of the Silk Road, at the same time that Buddhism arrived in the area. Although otherwise stated by legend, agarwood officially arrived in 538 CE, included in supplies meant to be used for the construction of a temple. A ritual known as sonaekō was soon established, and kōboku, the combination of fragrant wood and aromatic substances such as herbs, began to be burned in religious ritual. The use of incense continued to grow among court nobility, and fragrant scents played a key role within Heian period court life, and was even featured in the 11th century scroll, the Tale of Genji.
Please join us in the George J. Doizaki Gallery, along with Rev. Fukushima from Soto Zen, Choko-ji temple in Saitama prefecture on Saturday, July 14th from 1–3 pm, who will be leading this cultural workshop.
WHAT: KО̄DО̄: Way of Fragrance
WHERE: Tea Room at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 14, 2018
Opening reception: 1–3 PM
ADMISSION: Suggested Donation
About Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC)
Founded in 1971, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is one of the largest ethnic arts and cultural centers of its kind in the United States. A hub for Japanese and Japanese American arts and culture and a community gathering place for the diverse voices it inspires—JACCC connects traditional and contemporary; community participants and creative professionals; Southern California and the world beyond. JACCC also provides office space in its five-story complex to a wide variety of nonprofit cultural, educational, and community-based organizations in Los Angeles. Visit JACCC.org for more information.