Kodo: The way of Fragrance.

The practise of burning fragrant wood during Buddhist rituals is believed to have begun during the Nara period (710-794 AD). Like the use of incense in Christian Churches it was thought to purify the space. As naturally occurring fragrant wood is rare and can take many years to acquire its fragrance, man-made incense was developed. With it came a practise and appreciation that has become one of the three gaido or refined arts of Japan, the other two being the well-known chado, or tea ceremony and kado, or ikebana flower arranging.

Traditionally, when practising Kodo, the incense or fragrant wood is not directly burned, but is placed upon a mica plate which sits on top of charcoal and raked ash in an incense burner, allowing the incense to be heated to release its fragrance in a very subtle way.

Kodo is classified into a system called rikkoku gomi (meaning six countries, five tastes). The rikkoku are the six kinds of fragrant wood and refer to the six ancient Asian countries that these woods originate from. They are kyara, rakoku, manaka, manaban, sumatora and sasora. The five gomi are amai (sweet), nigai (bitter), karai (spicy hot), suppai (sour) and shio karai (salty). Each wood can have a mix of tastes, and the incense is not so much smelled as listened to with the heart and spirit. Being able to distinguish between the different elements takes years of experience. Guessing each element is part of the game begun by aristocrats during the Momoyama period. 

Kodo is said to have ten physical and psychological benefits or virtues:

  1. Sharpens the senses
  2. Purifies the mind and body
  3. Removes mental or spiritual “pollutants” (kegare)
  4. Promotes alertness
  5. Heals feelings of loneliness
  6. Creates a feeling of harmony even under stress
  7. Even in abundance, is not overwhelming
  8. Satisfies, even in small quantities
  9. Does not decay even over centuries
  10. Does no harm even if used every day 1

The Heart of Kazari

Robert and Jo founded Kazari in the late 70’s after their visit to Kyoto having made inroads and contacts with Japanese and art traders and have a lifetime of stories spanning the decades.

Our first visit to Japan in the late 70’s

In 1978 we were both amazed and in awe of the ‘electronic’ wonder of Japan, full of vending machines and super-fast trains, neon signs which we often referred to it as a kind of Disneyland for adults. At the same time the ancient temples, traditional gardens, land scapes and architecture nourished the soul.

“With fresh eyes we recognised the ‘beauty in simplicity’ of the functional and practical forms made centuries and decades before, the careful selection of timbers that the highly skilled traditional craftsmen made use of to create all manner of things and including storage chests, which we had an eye for buying right from the beginning.”
Jo Maindonald

Robert and Jo were soon recognised amongst as Japanese specialists among Australia’s leading authorities antiques and art. Kazari has enjoyed a long-standing reputation for the authenticity of the antiques and folk art, personally selected in Japan.

"Mossy rocks, reeds and the soothing presence of running water: city bustle gives way to serenity in the heart of Melbourne."

Many remember the first flagship store in Chapel St with its stunning Japanese garden, which included the newly launched Made In Japan Imports on street level with Kazari in the rear gallery. It was celebrated for its’ innovation and bringing many Japanese design ideas to Australia for the first time. Kazari has long been recognised as an iconic store; one of Melbourne’s best, and has been featured in the international journal, Architectural Digest, and in style magazines including Belle and Vogue.
During the 80’s stunning champagne openings heralded new shipments and some memorable gala events were held, one with Issey Miyake, Yoji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcon fashions modelled on site and mixed with Japanese arts and antiques at Design Warehouse, which was renowned for selling stylish contemporary Italian furniture.
Kazari were principal sponsors of the exhibition SPRING FLOWERS, AUTUMN GRASS - the Spirit of Nature in Asian Art, showing works from the collection at the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)and the original concept store, Made in Japan (Imports), was conceived and later sold, by Kazari directors in the 80’s.name changes have reflected changing trends from Kazari and the Orientalist to Kazari Decorator and Kazari & the Orientalist to now simply - Kazari.

Broadening the horizons.

Bali was their first love before Japan and they often visited. Robert and Jo’s youngest daughter married into a Balinese family, and now they have three beautiful granddaughters. Bali is now a fixture on their travel itinerary, also serving as an opportunity to ‘broaden their buying horizons’. They now buy reproduction and contemporary bronze sculptures and art along with antique and aged teak benches from throughout the region.
They were also introduced to some talented Balinese carpenters, and are now offering an eclectic range of contemporary “Japandi “ furniture from their own designs.
All the contemporary teak furniture and benches are made from sustainably grown teak from Indonesian Govt approved timber plantations in line with Karzai’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, sustainability and respect for the long life of an object.

Simply Kazari

Not limited to the fine arts Kazari includes the works of artisans and embraces everything from funky ceramics to ‘cool’ hair accessories for festival days, or social activities such as tea, literary gatherings and seasonal festivals helping these events transform the ordinary into the extra ordinary.