HA KO Paper Incense - Moss

HA KO is one of those things that makes you wonder why incense ever needed to be a stick. Each one is a tiny leaf made from Japanese washi paper, fragranced so that you can either leave it out and enjoy the scent slowly, or burn it as incense.

Moss is the greenest of the bunch. Fresh, earthy and slightly damp-smelling, it’s meant to evoke bamboo growing through a carpet of moss — more forest floor than anything floral or sweet.

Left unlit, the leaf works almost like a little piece of potpourri, gently scenting the space for up to three months. When you want the full thing, light the edge, blow out the flame and leave it to smoulder on a HA KO felt burner mat placed on a flat, non-flammable surface. It burns for around five to seven minutes.

Developed over five years by Japanese incense maker Kunjudo on Awaji Island, it’s a really lovely little ritual — and also an excellent introduction if traditional incense has never particularly appealed to you.

Never leave burning incense unattended and keep away from draughts and flammable materials.