Takano Shōami's sometsuke porcelain kōgō and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a small, precious box that preserves and showcases the nerikō, these refined incense pastilles made from precious woods and spices.

Together, they embody a sensory tradition that is rooted in the elegance of gestures and the subtlety of fragrances that Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a rigorous selection of superb kōgō signed by renowned ceramists accompanied by their box of nerikō to help you discover this little-known art.

This white and blue porcelain kōgō (sometsuke) was created by the second Takano Shōami, heir to the Shōami kiln founded in Kyoto in 1930. He succeeded his father in 1993 as head of the workshop located in the Higashiyama district, perpetuating exceptional expertise in the service of tea arts. Known for its delicate pieces made of sometsuke, iroe or kōchi-yaki, the Shōami family is particularly appreciated for its elegant interpretation of Kyoto porcelain, combining fidelity to ancient styles with contemporary research.

This 6.3 cm high kōgō represents a traditional thatched cottage ( kuzuya ), whose sloping silhouette and slightly faceted volumes evoke a miniature rural scene. Its very fine sometsuke decoration displays on each side a rich floral landscape composed of bamboo, chrysanthemums and plum trees, while the ridge of the roof is highlighted with an orange-brown enamel representing knotted thatch. The whole gives an impression of harmony between architecture and nature, in the poetic spirit specific to Japanese aesthetics. The piece is signed under its base, and accompanied by its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) bearing the inscription of the work, as well as the signature and official seal of the craftsman.

To enjoy the kōgō as it was intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains 36 nerikō beads, each composed of a delicately fragrant blend (based on sandalwood) created by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place 2-3 in the kōgō and leave the lid ajar. If you want to stop the fragrance diffusion, simply close the lid. Nerikō beads should be replaced when they become dry. Be sure to store unused nerikō beads in the tightly sealed plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.

To discover the art of Japanese kōgō and nerikō, we invite you to read the article we wrote on the subject, available via this link . Other kōgō are available on the site, do not hesitate to browse our selection.