Featured Are Incense sticks from Occupied Japan still useable

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by 916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025.

  1. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    I don't plan on trying but would like to know.
    Picked up this box that has 5 packages. looks like about 20 in each one.
    Interesting hoe they crossed out Occupied on all of them including the box.
    Must have been old stock and they just used the original box?
    Mikey
    100_4057.JPG 100_4059.JPG 100_4060.JPG 100_4061.JPG 100_4062.JPG 100_4063.JPG 100_4068.JPG
     
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025
    #1 + Quote Reply
    Figtree3, Born2it, Any Jewelry and 4 others like this.
  2. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    no idea. It's as safe to burn as it ever was, but it may smell like the inside of an outhouse. It depends on how well the ingredients aged.
     
    evelyb30, Jul 28, 2025
    #2 + Quote Reply
    sabre123, charlie cheswick, bosko69 and 5 others like this.
  3. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    I believe most incense is essentially timeless in its usefulness. I have several older Japanese aromatics, both cones an' formed sticks. They are still as fresh as when acquired, maybe 60 years ago...I'm an aged Hippie.
    If you don't plan to burn them, will the bundles (or the box-lot) be offered for sale?
     
    wlwhittier, Jul 28, 2025
    #3 + Quote Reply
    Figtree3, Born2it, Bev aka thelmasstuff and 8 others like this.
  4. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    It smells wonderful without burning them.
     
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025
    #4 + Quote Reply
    Any Jewelry, charlie cheswick, pearlsnblume and 1 other person like this.
  5. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    I'm sure it will.
     
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025
    #5 + Quote Reply
    wlwhittier likes this.
  6. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    A Japanese outhouse!
     
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025
    #6 + Quote Reply
    Marote and wlwhittier like this.
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Knowing the Japanese, they were better at deskunking them than we were.
     
    evelyb30, Jul 28, 2025
    #7 + Quote Reply
    916Bulldogs123 likes this.
  8. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Outhouses...or old incense?
     
    wlwhittier, Jul 28, 2025
    #8 + Quote Reply
  9. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I would not burn anything like that.

    Here's what the internet says.

    burning incense sticks can pose health risks.
    Incense smoke contains various harmful chemicals and particulate matter that can irritate the respiratory system, trigger allergies and asthma, and may even be linked to cancer with prolonged exposure.While incense has cultural and religious significance, it's important to be aware of the potential health consequences and take precautions to minimize exposure

    Respiratory Issues:
    Incense smoke contains particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other irritants that can cause or worsen respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
    • Carcinogenic Compounds:
      Some studies have found that burning incense can increase the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens, though the link to cancer risk is still being researched.
    • Eye and Nasal Irritation:
      The smoke can also cause eye and nasal irritation, leading to discomfort and potential inflammation.
    • Cardiovascular Risks:
      Research, though limited, suggests a potential link between incense burning and cardiovascular issues due to the inflammatory nature of the smoke
     
    daveydempsey, Jul 28, 2025
    #9 + Quote Reply
    Figtree3, sabre123, charlie cheswick and 4 others like this.
  10. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    These are Daigen Koh "Great Origin"
    The flavor is Frankincense. Sandalwood, cinnamon, and Borneo camphor.
    Thanks @daveydempsey
    Mikey
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2025
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 28, 2025
    #10 + Quote Reply
    Figtree3, Any Jewelry, pearlsnblume and 1 other person like this.
  11. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Both! They had clean streets when Europeans were still tossing piss pots out of windows.
     
    evelyb30, Jul 28, 2025
    #11 + Quote Reply
    Born2it and 916Bulldogs123 like this.
  12. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Then they are still usable. Always outside or in an open temple/well aired room.

    Not for the porphyrics among us though, but they wouldn't burn any kind of incense anyway.;)
     
    Any Jewelry, Jul 29, 2025
    #12 + Quote Reply
    916Bulldogs123 likes this.
  13. 916Bulldogs123

    916Bulldogs123 Well-Known Member

    Thank you everyone.
    I can say these were made between 1945 and 1952. Most likely old stock that didn't sell till after the occupation, since the Occupied is crossed out on the box and the five packages. I'm not finding anything comparable.
    Mikey
     
    916Bulldogs123, Jul 29, 2025
    #13 + Quote Reply
    Any Jewelry and wlwhittier like this.
  14. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    I had a cat that would not let me light candles or burn incense without raising a ruckus. I don't know if she'd been in a fire or what, but she'd walk around the house wailing until I put them out.
     
    Bev aka thelmasstuff, Jul 29, 2025
    #14 + Quote Reply
    Figtree3, Any Jewelry and 916Bulldogs123 like this.
  15. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Wise cat. I burned incense once or twice. Couldn't stand the stink.
     
    evelyb30, Jul 30, 2025
    #15 + Quote Reply
    916Bulldogs123 likes this.
  16. Lucille.b

    Lucille.b Well-Known Member

    I'd hesitate burning them. You never know what ingredients "safe at the time" might have been added during those years. No idea if this is something to worry about, maybe do more research if you are really set on burning them.
     
    Lucille.b, Aug 2, 2025
    #16 + Quote Reply
    Any Jewelry and 916Bulldogs123 like this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Incense sticks
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Incense burner/censer Nov 11, 2025
Antique Discussion Japanese lacquered Kogo/incense box with golden Maki-e Aug 18, 2025
Antique Discussion Help dating Chinese clay figural incense burner Jan 3, 2025
Antique Discussion Hanging incense burner? With bellows. Aug 20, 2023
Antique Discussion Mechanical Lotus flower incense burner maker/age? Apr 16, 2023

Share This Page