STILL AIR CRAFT IV

CHERRY BLOSSOM

Impermanence • Tenderness • Passing Beauty

 

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Supports gentle emotional release and acceptance of change without sorrow.

 

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INGREDIENTS

(Small batch - approx. 20 hand-rolled sticks)

Primary Materials
• Sakura wood powder (Japanese cherry wood) - 1½ tsp
• Makko powder - 2 tsp

Supporting Materials
• Rice powder (very finely milled) - ½ tsp
• Paper fibre powder (washi or rice paper) - ¼ tsp

 

Do not use cherry blossom fragrance, petals, or essential oil.
The scent must come from wood and restraint only.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Stone mortar and pestle
• Fine mesh sieve
• Ceramic or glass mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Distilled water
• Wooden board or tray
• Baking paper or unbleached cloth
• Damp cloth
• Airtight storage container

 

PREPARATION

Refining the Powders
Place sakura wood powder and rice powder into the mortar.
Grind gently and patiently until extremely fine.

Sift through a fine mesh sieve.
Return any coarse fibres to the mortar and repeat.

Cherry wood must be very fine to remain soft on burning.

 

DRY BLENDING

Combine in a bowl:
• Sakura wood powder
• Rice powder
• Makko powder
• Paper fibre powder

Mix thoroughly until colour and texture are completely even.

The blend should feel pale, warm, and almost weightless.

 

ADDING WATER

Add distilled water drop by drop, kneading gently.

The dough should become:
• Soft
• Supple
• Smooth
• Slightly cool to the touch

Avoid excess water - this incense relies on lightness.

 

RESTING THE DOUGH

Cover with a damp cloth.
Rest for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the makko to bind without compressing the delicacy of the blend.

 

HAND-ROLLING

Pinch a small amount of dough
(slightly smaller than grape-sized).

Roll gently into thin ropes:

• Approx. 2 mm thick
• 7-9 cm long

Pressure should be very light.

 

Cherry Blossom should appear slender and understated.

If cracks appear, lightly dampen fingertips and smooth once.
Do not over-handle - fragility is part of its nature.

 

DRYING

Place sticks on baking paper or cloth.

Dry in a shaded, still space:

• No sunlight
• No artificial heat

Drying time: 3-5 days.
Turn once daily.

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CURING

Once fully dry, store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.

This softens the wood and allows the scent to settle quietly.

 

HOW TO BURN

• Burn on a mica plate or ash bed
• Use short pieces
• Best burned in daylight or early evening

This incense is subtle.
Allow silence around it.

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WHY THIS BELONGS IN STILL AIR

• No floral performance

• No sentimentality

• Restraint over romance

• Beauty acknowledged, not captured

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CaravanSerai Gypsy

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