It is necessary to give a little introduction about kyara, as it's called in Japanese, or kinam, as it's called in Vietnam and China.
This material is considered by many to be one of the most mysterious and magical substances in the world. It is believed to be the rarest material on the planet—more rare than uranium and iridium, more expensive than gold, and harder to obtain than diamonds. And yes, it is burned!
A little research and background are necessary to understand the significance of this material and its uses throughout history, from medicine to making some of the most intricate and valuable heirlooms in ancient Asia, as well as being a spiritual and magical substance believed to ward off negative energies and bring forth luck, prosperity, and happiness. The old rulers, emperors, and shoguns of Asia fought for it, and it was almost never sold; rather, it was gifted or taken!
Even though kinam or kyara is almost strictly categorized by scent—at least for the experts—there are many studies and research efforts that show specific constituents and materials in this magical wood.
For many years, we have been working with, studying, and researching this magnificent material. Recently, on our last trip to Asia, we spent an entire month in Japan working hand-in-hand with some of the world's most renowned experts in the art of kōdō and natural materials to better understand and hopefully master this wood.
While many people might assume or presume that some wood is kinam or kyara, most are mistaken and inaccurate. Just to give you an example, the three oldest incense houses in Japan—Nippon Kōdō, Shoyeido, and Yamadamatsu—almost strictly require you to make an appointment before presenting or selling kinam or kyara. In most cases, you have to wait a while, as it is not always available. When available, it is presented to you in a specific room or section and is never publicly displayed or listed for sale. Out of dozens of locations, only the main offices will have some kinam/kyara, usually locked in a safe and accessible only by the most experienced individuals, often the owners themselves.
When sold, it is priced by the gram, with one gram considered a large amount, especially if you are using it for kōdō (incense ceremony). A forum is used to gather your details and information, as they like to know and track who is buying kinam/kyara around the world. Additionally, it's not exportable outside of Japan and is also not shippable within Japan, so you must purchase it in person.
If you're asking about the price, you probably can't afford it. When available in extremely small amounts, it sells for around $500 to $1,000 per gram, depending on the quality, quantity, and market conditions.
I know what you are thinking: people are crazy! What a waste of money; this is madness! You are right—that’s what most people think! Until they try it. I don't know how to describe it, and quite honestly, I'm not even sure if I can, but once you smell it, you will understand. It is the most magnificent, heavenly, and mind-altering scent you will ever experience.
If you are ever lucky enough to smell and try it—which, quite honestly, not many people will—remember that the Chinese believe you need at least five lifetimes of virtue to be able to smell and enjoy kinam/kyara. The Japanese consider it a sacred material sought after by those with the most powerful spirit. We view it as the ultimate challenge, as no matter how hard we try, we can't replicate its scent or aroma.
From personal experience, I cannot talk about or confirm the centuries-old beliefs regarding its spiritual aspects and the benefits of luck and prosperity it is said to bring. However, I can say that it's amazing for meditation, concentration, and keeping the mind focused and sharp.
We wanted to present you with some of the best and highest quality kinam/kyara in the world, sourced directly and personally by us from the oldest and most respected incense houses in Japan. This is the world's best (or only) kinam/kyara, and this is your lifetime chance to get it, try it, and learn the art of kōdō in a fast, easy, and enjoyable way—without having to go through months of work and preparation, thousands of miles, many trips, and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We went very far and worked very hard so you don’t have to, and we are not even charging you for it! As we work on a large scale and source in quantities that allow us a 10% to 20% decrease in price, that's our only benefit. When calculating the time and effort spent, we are not making money; rather, we are sharing this beautiful art with you in the hope that it will enhance and enrich your life with as much beauty and benefit as it has for us.
From our family to yours: the world's rarest and most beautiful aromatic material, certified Japanese kinam/kyara, that we personally brought after intensive research, trials, and verification.
This is a complete kit that is limited to a total of 10 people worldwide. It took us months to source it and make it a reality that you can acquire with just a few clicks.
The kit will come with:
1. 100% wild pure Japanese kinam/kyara kōdō piece of 1 gram, which is enough for about 20 to 30 uses (the impossible grade). This makes less than 0.000001 of what is commercially considered kinam/kyara. Sourced directly and personally by our house from the Island of Awaji
2. Chinese Hainan kinam/kyara from beads and jewelry-making scraps, totaling 3 grams (over 10 years old from the highest quality naturally simulating environments), making less than 0.01 of what is commercially considered kinam/kyara.
3. Harvested (human-interfered) good-quality kinam/kyara from Vietnam (3 to 5 years old wood from harvested natural simulating environments), making up most of what is considered or sold as kinam/kyara commercially or throughout the main markets—5 grams.
4. Ten ceremonial incense sticks of 100% wild pure Japanese kinam/kyara made specifically for us by a Japanese incense master from the highest quality kinam/kyara, sourced personally and directly by our house from Japan, Kyoto.
5. Top-quality Japanese kōdō mica plate.
6. Shoyeido Miyako white ash, the highest quality kōdō ash in Japan.
7. Nippon Kōdō Tadon ceremonial incense charcoal specialty design for aromatic woods and the Kyara/kinam the highest quality natural incense he experts recommend.
8. Urushi-nuri handmade Japanese lacquerware with two compartments, made by the the master craftsman of the house of Yamada Heiando, the official provider of Japanese imperial house and the Japan's international embassies. It was specifically made for storing incense and jewelry. This style and technique require a lot of time and effort to create, all by hand, which is why they are so beautiful and precious. These jewelry/incense cases with makie-e togau (real gold drawing) are usually given as a present for someone special you truly care about. That’s why we brought it just for you! You can store your precious kinam/kyara in it and impress those who ask where they can get this by saying, “You can’t; this was made for me.”
In addition, we provide instructions and details on how to use the kit and a short introduction to the art of kōdō, which won't take you more than an hour to learn but will be something you enjoy and cherish for the rest of your life. You can share it with others or impress a special someone with your knowledge and etiquette of the ancient Japanese art of kōdō.
This kit is not only designed to offer you the ultimate experience and benefit for unequivocal value but also the knowledge and ability to practice and enjoy this art. It will give you the understanding to distinguish between different kinds of kinam/kyara and recognize the real one from the less authentic, as a Japanese kōdō master would say.
Limited to 10 people worldwide!
