{"product_id":"grand-kogo-en-laque-urushi-decor-shochikubai-pin-bambou-prunier-en-maki-e-de-kounsai-oi-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","title":"Large urushi lacquer kōgō, shōchikubai (pine, bamboo, plum) maki-e decoration by Kōunsai Ōi, and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"12dd1e66-2e61-4625-9327-c71114a23304\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eIn the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a precious small box that preserves and enhances nerikō, refined incense pellets made from precious woods and spices. Together, they embody a sensory tradition rooted in elegant gestures and subtle fragrances, which Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a rigorous selection of superb kōgō, here signed by the lacquer master Kōunsai Ōi, accompanied by their box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"662\" data-end=\"671\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe artisan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003eKōunsai Ōi, born in 1930, is a Japanese lacquer master associated with the Kaga maki-e (gold dust decoration) tradition, one of the great expressions of Japanese urushi lacquer. He trained under Matsuda Gonroku, a major figure in 20th-century lacquer art and a Living National Treasure of Japan, from whom he received instruction in traditional maki-e techniques. His work continues the Kaga savoir-faire, renowned for its precise design, controlled richness of metallic powders, and balance between decorative elegance and rigorous execution. His tea pieces, especially natsume and kōgō, are sought after for the finesse of their decorations, often inspired by classic Japanese vocabulary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1434\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique and decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1745\"\u003eThis superb large kōgō takes the form of a hagoita (racket), a traditional object associated with Japanese New Year and the ancient game of hanetsuki. In tea arts, this shape evokes the first days of the year, auspicious wishes, and lucky charms that accompany winter celebrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1747\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eThe decoration represents the shōchikubai (pine, bamboo, plum), an auspicious motif combining three plants capable of enduring winter. The pine symbolizes longevity, bamboo represents uprightness and resilience, while the plum announces renewal with its early blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1747\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eOn a lightweight wooden container carved to shape and a deep black background resulting from multiple layers of Japanese urushi lacquer, the decoration is made using maki-e, a technique in which fine gold powders are applied to fresh lacquer to create luminous patterns. The pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, rocks, and stylized clouds compose a refined landscape, animated by gold fields and colored pigments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2734\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe sides feature a traditional kikkō hanabishi motif, composed of hexagons inspired by a turtle shell enclosing stylized water chestnut flowers (hanabishi). Very common in Japanese decorative arts, this motif is associated with longevity, protection, and elegance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2746\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe nerikō\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2748\" data-end=\"3448\"\u003eTo enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō pellets, each made of a delicately fragrant sandalwood-based mixture crafted by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place two or three in the kōgō, and leave the lid slightly ajar. To stop the diffusion of the fragrance, simply close the lid. The nerikō pellets should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to store unused nerikō in the hermetically sealed plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3685\"\u003eTo discover the art of Japanese kōgō and nerikō, we invite you to read the article we wrote on the subject, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/blogs\/histoires\/kogo-et-neriko-la-rencontre-entre-la-matiere-et-l-encens-japonais\" title=\"Article kogo et neriko\"\u003eavailable via this link\u003c\/a\u003e. Other kōgō are available on the site; feel free to browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/collections\/encens\" title=\"Sélection kogo\"\u003eour selection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"4163\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3896\" data-end=\"3899\"\u003eFor the kōgō: a protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) bearing the inscription of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, also accompanied by an information document (shiori).\u003cbr data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4102\"\u003eFor the nerikō: a box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4165\" data-end=\"4368\"\u003eThe kōgō and nerikō will be packaged together in a beautifully and skillfully tied textile, making it an original, unique, and very elegant ready-to-offer gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"3709\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePractical Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3744\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3730\" data-end=\"3733\"\u003eJapan, Kaga\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3794\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3756\" data-end=\"3759\"\u003eWidth 19.4cm - Depth 7.8cm - Height 2.7cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3796\" data-end=\"3819\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (with box)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3814\" data-end=\"3817\"\u003e358gr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3821\" data-end=\"3869\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3830\" data-end=\"3833\"\u003eWood, Japanese urushi lacquer, gold powders and pigments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3883\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3878\" data-end=\"3881\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEarly Heisei era (circa 1990)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3883\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3878\" data-end=\"3881\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIn very good condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4370\" data-end=\"4899\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsage tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4395\"\u003ePlace two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid slightly ajar to diffuse the fragrance or closed to stop diffusion, replace the pellets when they become dry, and store unused pellets in their airtight bag. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. In case of discomfort or olfactory sensitivity, discontinue use. Store away from heat, humidity, and direct light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4370\" data-end=\"4899\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLacquer object care:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, dampened with a little lukewarm water if necessary (never soak lacquer objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, a glass filled with water can be placed next to the lacquer object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Atelier Ikiwa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55784316830036,"sku":"LJ-SE-05-23","price":520.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/kogo-laque-urushi-makie-poudre-or-art-encens-artisanat-japonais-monko-kodo-neriko-heian-kyoto-atelier-ikiwa-4.jpg?v=1778580269","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/grand-kogo-en-laque-urushi-decor-shochikubai-pin-bambou-prunier-en-maki-e-de-kounsai-oi-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}