The Art of Serenity: Introducing the Award-Winning NAGAE+ 'efu' Incense Holder

In Search of the Sublime

When searching for the perfect object to aid in the calming ritual of burning incense, a challenge arises. Most incense holders, by their very design, announce exactly what they are. At DARABARA, our search was for something different, we want a unique metal incense holder that doesn't immediately strike you as a burner, but instead presents itself as a minimalist piece of home décor, an objet d'art that quietly serves a beautiful function. That search came to a rewarding end the moment we discovered the NAGAE+ 'efu' incense holder.

This exquisite piece, an award-winning design from a master of Japanese Takaoka metal casting, is the very embodiment of form and function in perfect harmony. While not yet widely available in North America, we are proud to offer it to our discerning customers. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of NAGAE+ and the captivating ‘efu’ incense holder.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship: The Story of Takaoka Metal Casting

To truly appreciate the ‘efu’ incense holder, we must first travel to the city of Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture, Japan (and no, we’re not in Tokyo or Kyoto this time). For over four centuries, Takaoka-shi has been the heart of Japan's copperware industry. Its story begins in 1609 when Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga domain, invited seven master metal casters to the city to stimulate the local economy.

Initially, these artisans produced practical items like farming tools, pots, and kettles. However, as the Edo period progressed, their focus shifted towards more artistic creations. They began crafting exquisite copper alloy vases, tea ceremony utensils, and Buddhist altar fittings, adorned with intricate chased metal decorations. The reputation of Takaoka copperware, or Takaoka Douki, grew, and by the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, these beautiful objects were being showcased at international expositions, earning worldwide acclaim.

"Takaoka is a town of manufacturing where tradition lives on. Takaoka is a city that has been passed down through the generations for many years, with its historical buildings, traditional crafts, and festivals."
- Takaoka City Tourism Association

What makes Takaoka metal casting so special is the mastery of various techniques passed down through generations. From lost-wax casting, which allows for incredibly detailed creations, to surface finishing techniques like grinding, engraving, and inlaying, the artisans of Takaoka have honed their skills to perfection. Today, Takaoka still produces a majority of Japan’s copperware, a testament to its enduring legacy.

NAGAE+: A Modern Vision from a House of Craftsmanship

From this historic city emerges NAGAE+, a brand that represents the future-forward vision of its parent company, Nagae Co., Ltd. Founded in 1954, Nagae is not just a single entity but a celebrated house of distinct lifestyle and cultural brands, each exploring a different facet of Takaoka's metalworking legacy. Understanding this diverse family of brands helps to truly appreciate the special place that NAGAE+ occupies.

Gingado (銀雅堂): This brand is the guardian of tradition, specializing in classical Japanese decorative arts. Gingado is renowned for its exquisite replicas of samurai helmets (Kabuto) and its beautiful, intricate Buddhist altar items.

Naft: This is Nagae's design-centric, collaborative line. Naft works with various designers to create artistic and often playful metal interior objects, from uniquely shaped bottle openers to minimalist flower vases, and popular fuji mountain incense holder.

HOSS: This brand focuses on refined home accessories and hardware. Their products, which include items like coat hooks, door handles, and towel hangers, bring a sense of sophisticated and functional art to interior spaces.

NAGAE+ is the company's flagship contemporary lifestyle brand. It distills the historical mastery seen in Gingado, the design-forward thinking of Naft, and the material sensitivity of HOSS into a single, cohesive vision for modern living.

The brand's philosophy is centered around the concept of "Circulation": creating products that are designed to be cherished and used for a lifetime, becoming a gentle and steadfast presence in their owner's lives. Each item, including the 'efu' incense holder, is a testament to the brand's commitment to "unique and sincere manufacturing," combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology.

The Good Design Award: A Symbol of Excellence

The ‘efu’ incense holder’s 2022 Good Design Award is a significant honor. The Good Design Award is Japan’s only comprehensive design evaluation system, recognizing excellence in design since 1957. The iconic "G Mark" is a symbol of quality that is widely recognized internationally, signifying products that not only have a beautiful aesthetic but also enrich our lives.

Winning a Good Design Award signifies that a product has been carefully considered from every angle – its form, function, materials, and its impact on the user. For the ‘efu’ series to be recognized with this award speaks volumes about its thoughtful design and its ability to bring a moment of peace and beauty into our daily lives.

The ‘efu’ Incense Holder: A Study in Minimalism and Tranquility

Now, let’s turn our attention back to the ‘efu’ incense holder. The name "efu" itself is derived from three "f's": the "f" of "1/f fluctuation," a term used to describe the natural, calming rhythm found in things like babbling brooks; the "f" of "fluctuation"; and the "f" of "flow". This name perfectly encapsulates the experience of using the ‘efu’: The gentle, mesmerizing dance of the incense smoke as it rises from its sleek, minimalist form.

The ‘efu’ is designed for stick incense. While it can accommodate sticks with a bamboo core, we at Darabara find that coreless incense offers a superior experience. You can easily break a coreless stick to your desired length, giving you precise control over the burning time and intensity of the fragrance. The incense stick is laid horizontally inside the holder on a heat-resistant felt mat (a spare mat is included), ensuring safety and protecting the metal from damage. The smoke then emerges from a narrow slit on the top, creating a beautiful and ever-changing visual display.

The ‘efu’ is available in two sizes to suit your space and preferences:

Short: W100 x D25 x H27 mm, suits typical short sticks (~ 5-7cm)

Long: W175 x D25 x H27 mm, suits typical regular sticks (~ 14-16 cm)

The Brass Edition: A Living Finish

The brass version of the ‘efu’ is a celebration of a material that evolves over time. The top lid is polished to a high shine, while the base has a more subtle, barrelled finish. This edition has no clear coating, allowing the brass to develop a unique patina with every touch and use. The warmth of the brass, combined with the way it catches the light, creates a truly stunning object.

A NOTE FROM DARABARA: Because the brass is uncoated, discoloration can occur if touched frequently with bare hands. We had to wear gloves for our product shots to avoid fingerprints! While you don't need to do this at home, NAGAE+ does recommend using a soft cloth if you wish to preserve its original shine. However, we encourage you to embrace the change.

As you handle it, and as it is exposed to the air and the gentle heat of the incense, its color will slowly deepen and change, telling the story of its life with you. This makes each brass ‘efu’ a deeply personal object, one that grows and ages alongside its owner.

The Black Edition: Understated Elegance

For those who prefer a more modern, dramatic aesthetic, the black edition of the ‘efu’ is a perfect choice. This version is also crafted from brass but features a sleek, matte black coating. The finish is reminiscent of the elegant surface of a grand piano or a luxury car, providing a stark and beautiful contrast to the ethereal, organic wisps of incense smoke. The deep, uniform black of this edition creates a powerful visual statement, making it a striking addition to any contemporary interior.

Bringing the ‘efu’ into Your Space

The NAGAE+ ‘efu’ incense holder is more than just a beautiful object; it’s an invitation to slow down, be present, and create moments of tranquility in your day. Whether you choose the living finish of the brass edition or the understated elegance of the black, the ‘efu’ will transform the simple act of burning incense into a multisensory experience.

At Darabara, we believe in offering products that are not only beautiful but also imbued with meaning and history. The NAGAE+ ‘efu’ is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. It is a piece that carries the legacy of 400 years of Japanese craftsmanship, reimagined for the modern world. We invite you to explore this exceptional collection and discover the art of serenity for yourself.