Kōgō in Korean celadon by Yu Haegang, intangible cultural heritage no. 13, and nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a small, precious box that preserves and showcases the nerikō, refined incense tablets crafted from precious woods and spices. Together, they embody a sensory tradition rooted in the elegance of gestures and the subtlety of fragrances, a tradition Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a carefully curated selection of superb kōgō, here designed by ceramicist Yu Haegang, accompanied by their nerikō boxes, to introduce this little-known art.

The craftsman
This Korean celadon kōgō was created by Yu Haegang (1894–1993), one of Korea's greatest 20th-century ceramicists. A master of Goryeo celadon, he dedicated his life to rediscovering the secret bisaek color and translucency of medieval celadons by conducting extensive research on ancient kilns and ceramic shards, personally analyzing their pastes and glazes. Recognized by the Korean government as a Living National Treasure and designated holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 dedicated to Goryeo celadon, he belongs to the select circle of guardians of the country's most precious crafts. His works are now held in major museums, including the Haegang Ceramics Museum, which he founded, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, and the British Museum, attesting to the international influence of his work.

The technique and the decor
This kōgō (small, round ceramic piece) adopts the soft, plump shape of a peach, a fruit associated in Korea with longevity, health, and protection. The celadon glaze that covers the piece is characteristic of Korean ceramic heritage. Celadon is achieved through a glaze rich in iron oxide which, when fired in reduction in a high-temperature kiln, takes on this particular jade-green hue. The color depends on a complex balance between the glaze composition, the kiln atmosphere, the firing time, and the way the heat circulates around the piece. It is this demanding process that gives Korean celadon its inner brilliance and depth.

On this kōgō, the jade green varies according to the thickness of the glaze, lighter on the raised areas, more intense along the central line of the fruit. The surface is covered with a dense network of fine cracks, a natural result of the glaze cooling process, highly prized in Goryeo celadons for the delicate shimmer it creates in the light. The quality of the glaze and the fineness of the cracks are characteristic of Yu Haegang's work with the bisaek hue of medieval celadons, a pure green considered the most refined expression of historical celadon. The overall effect gives this small box a serene and elegant presence of great artistic value.

The nerikō
To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō beads, each composed of a delicately fragrant blend based on sandalwood, 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 fragrance, simply close the lid. The nerikō beads should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to store unused nerikō 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; feel free to browse our selection.

Practical information
Place of manufacture
Korea

Dimensions
Length 7 cm – Width 6.4 cm – Height 5.5 cm

Weight
162 g with the wooden box

Materials
Ceramic

Period
Shōwa era (1926-1989)

Accessories
For the kōgō: a protective box made of paulownia tomobako wood bearing the inscription of the work, the signature, and the official seal of the craftsman. The kōgō is signed at its base by the ceramist.
For the nerikō: box containing thirty-six nerikō marbles.

The kōgō and nerikō will be packed together in a white cardboard box wrapped in a beautiful, skillfully knotted textile, making it an original, unique and very elegant ready-to-give gift.

Usage tips
Place two or three nerikō beads in the kōgō, leave the lid slightly ajar to diffuse the fragrance or closed to stop diffusion. Replace the beads when they become dry and store any unused beads in their airtight bag. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged skin contact. If you experience discomfort or sensitivity to the scent, discontinue use. Store away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.