Nezen Box Set

Nezen for Iwata

• Introduction

  I am a Nezen Box Set. I gather some things that slow the night down. Sound, scent, and flame, in one place. Set aside for the moments before sleep or meditation, so all that’s left is calm.

   

• Curator's Notes

  The Nezen Box Set brings together small objects that help with relaxation and sleep. It includes the Orin Singing Bowl with handcarved Wood Striker and Cushion, Taku Wood Meditation Clappers, Shokudai Incense Stand and Kouzara Candle Stand, Koh Incense Sticks, and Warousoku Sumac Candles, all placed within an intricately designed paulownia wood box.

  Growing up with a spiritual father, there were always objects like this around me. Temples, incense, bells that allowed for "stillness" rituals. Here, everything is gathered and presented in a way that feels easier to approach nowadays and for a wider audience. Less formal, more secular and open, and not something you need to necessarily “know how to use” in order to begin. Though each piece has a role, none of it feels strict and can be let open to interpretation to suit your relaxation rituals...

  The copper Orin Singing Bowl and Striker is the bell and wood stick. When struck with the sakura wood stick, the bowl holds a clear tone that lingers longer than expected and slowly fades. It marks a pause or a new beginning and that feeling created resonates in the body and room. There is a cushion beneath it that grounds the sound.

  The Taku Wood Meditation Clappers are the carved wooden batons that produce a sharp, short tone. Since the wood is gently curved on one edge, there is a single point of contact that creates that sharp acoustic sound that marks the beginning or end of a new activity or meditation session.

  The Shokudai and Kouzara are the candle holder and incense stand, cast in iron. Together, they reference the old Japanese symbol of fire and water, opposing but balancing forces within traditional philosophical thought.

  Koh are the incense sticks, offered in sandalwood and aloeswood. The scent is present but not overpowering, something that shifts the room withought filling the air and the best part is that there are absolutely no chemicals in them. Only all-natural ingredients.

  Warousoku are the sumac candles, made from plant-based wax with a hollow wick. The flame moves differently, softer and larger, and burns for the perfect amount of time to serve as a time marker for rituals like tea drinking and meditation.

  All of it returns to the wood box when you’re done. Simple and there if you want to use it to bring the body to a more restful state. 

   

  Nezen Box Set was curated by Stevenson Aung

   

• Designer/Maker

   

  Maker: Iwata

   

  Designer: Nezen

   

• Specifications

  Dimensions:

  Box: Approximately 9.3" (w) x 6.5" (l) x 4.5" (h) or 23.6cm (w) x 16.5cm (l) x 11.4cm (h)

   

  Materials:

  Paulownia Wood, Sakura Wood, Copper, Cast Iron, Incense, Sumac Wax, Leather, Linen

   

• Details
  • Made in Japan
    
  • Exterior box is crafted from paulownia wood with a minimal, compartmentalized design inspired by Japanese storage traditions
    
  • Includes an unbleached cotton furoshiki wrap cloth to protect and carry the box
  • Designed to store and organize the Nezen ritual tools included that are used for scent, sound, and light rituals
    
  • Upper compartment holds the Taku, Orin Striker, Koh, and Warousoku stands
    
  • Lower compartment designed for the Orin, Orin Futon, Kohzara, and Shokudai
    
  • Integrated openings on side of box allow up to two smartphones to rest and charge discreetly inside the box, allowing time away from distractions
    
  • Opening, arranging, and returning each object encourages a calming ritual that marks the transition from daily activity into stillness
    
  • Inspired by traditional Japanese paulownia boxes historically used to protect valued objects and tea utensils
    
  • Developed by Iwata through a balance of Zen philosophy, sleep science, sustainable design, and traditional craftsmanship through the help of their spiritual guide, Tosei Shinabe
    
  • A video of Tosei Shinabe meditating with the elements of the box set can be viewed here
• Return Policy
  Returns or Exchanges may be done within 14 days from purchase date. We kindly ask that all valid returns must be in unused condition with attached tags and packaging. Nalata Nalata will not accept any returned merchandise without prior written communication and valid Return Authorization Number. Upon inspection and approval, Exchange or Store Credit will be provided, No Refunds. All sale items and discounted merchandise are Final Sale and cannot be returned.  Read More