The Tale of Genji and Lotus Leaf
How are you doing?
Previously, we learned about the " Rokushu no kokubutsu ," the fragrance that represents the Heian period.
This time, we'll be sharing some fun facts about one of them, lotus leaves.
Lotus leaves appear in the Tale of Genji in chapters 32, "Umegae" (Plum Branch), and 38, "Suzumushi" (Bell Crickets).
As for "plum branches," we have already written about them in The Tale of Genji and Plum Blossoms . When preparations were underway for the marriage of Hikaru Genji 's only daughter, Princess Akashi, to the Crown Prince, he asked four ladies of the Genji clan to compound an incense for the princess to bring with her , and Hanachirusato composed the compound using lotus leaves.
In "Suzumushi," "lotus leaves" appear to describe the time of day when Hikaru Genji holds a ceremony to open the eyes of a Buddhist statue for the Third Princess, who still has feelings for him. The word "lotus leaves" refers to lotus flowers, and we can tell that this chapter was written in summer.
As mentioned above, incense is used for room fragrances and fabric care, by permeating the scent into clothes, hair, rooms, etc., but during the Heian period, it was common practice to offer the finest incense to Buddha, and in this case lotus leaves were burned as incense in front of the Buddha.
Even today, many people associate the "lotus flower" with Buddha. It is said that lotus flowers bloom in paradise, and statues of Buddha stand on lotus pedestals. I think the lotus flower motif had a special meaning in Buddhism, especially in Heian Esoteric Buddhism.
Lotus leaf is an early summer scent reminiscent of lotus flowers, but it is not the scent of actual lotus flowers. It is a refreshing incense.
KAYO | When you hear the scent of lotus leaves, you'll be reminded of a summer night in the Tale of Genji.
KAYO | Lotus leaf (full size)
KAYO | Lotus leaf (trial size)
KAYO | Lotus leaf (refill)
Have a Scentful Day!
