Korean celadon kōgō by Yoo Haegang, Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 13, and nerikō (incense beads)

In the art of 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 Korean celadon kōgō was made by Yu Geun-Hyeong (1894–1993), better known as Haegang, a major figure in modern Korean ceramics. He is considered the great master of the 20th-century rediscovery of Goryeo celadon. In 1960, he founded the Haegang Celadon Research Institute in Icheon and, in recognition of his work, was officially designated Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder No. 13 for Celadon Techniques—a distinction commonly referred to as a National Living Treasure in Korea. His work, at the intersection of scholarly tradition and technical excellence, is housed in major international institutions such as the British Museum and the National Museum of Korea.

This 7 cm long kōgō takes the elegant form of a stylized peach, an auspicious motif in Korean culture associated with longevity and immortality. Its celadon glaze, a translucent jade green with fine cracks, evokes the elegance of Goryeo ceramics with restraint. The piece is signed on its base and comes with its protective wooden box bearing the work's inscription, as well as the artisan's signature and official seal.

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.