Celadon ceramic kōgō by Jeong-muk Kim and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese and Korean incense, the kōgō is a small, precious box that preserves and enhances nerikō, refined incense pellets made from precious woods and spices.

Together, they embody a sensory tradition characterized by elegant gestures and subtle fragrances, which Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a carefully curated selection of superb kōgō to collect, including this piece by Korean ceramicist Jeong-muk Kim, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Jeong-muk Kim, born in 1936, is a South Korean ceramicist known by his artist name Donggok. Based in Icheon, in Gyeonggi Province, he headed the Hanguk Doyo workshop, which was notably dedicated to reviving the techniques of Goryeo celadon, one of the great traditions of Korean ceramics.

His work explores celadon glazes, inlaid designs (sanggam), sculpted motifs, and openwork. Awarded at several national craft competitions, notably in 1979, 1984, and 1988, he also participates in international exhibitions, including a solo exhibition in Tokyo in 1998. His work bears witness to the transmission and renewal of Korean ceramic know-how.

Technique and decoration

This Korean celadon kōgō belongs to the tradition of Goryeo ceramics, renowned for their jade-hued glazes. Its round form with soft curves is covered in a luminous sea-green glaze, traversed by a delicate network of crackles.

The lid is crafted using the openwork technique (tugak), which consists of cutting the clay before firing to create openings within the design. A large peony with sculpted petals unfolds among the leaves, while the cutouts surrounding the motifs add depth to the composition. A second ceramic wall, located beneath the openwork design, ensures the closure of the lid. This work requires great precision to preserve the finesse and strength of the piece.

The simplicity of the form highlights the beauty of the glaze and the delicacy of the sculpted decoration. The kōgō bears the ceramicist's mark at its base. It is available as a single piece.

The nerikō

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō pellets, each composed of a delicately scented blend based on sandalwood, created by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place two or three in the kōgō and leave the lid slightly ajar. If you want to stop the fragrance from spreading, simply close the lid.

The nerikō pellets should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to keep the unused nerikō in the hermetically sealed plastic bag so that they do not dry 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 website; feel free to browse our selection.

Beyond their traditional use with nerikō, kōgō are also valuable decorative and collectible objects. The richness of this Japanese and Korean tradition, the diversity of forms and decorations, as well as the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans, make it an exciting collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also means entering the world of great ceramicists through more intimate creations. Atelier Ikiwa offers a selection of kōgō carefully chosen for their artistic quality and uniqueness.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Icheon, South Korea

Dimensions
Diameter 6.8 cm - Height 3.7 cm

Weight (with box)
274 g

Materials
Celadon ceramic, sculpted and openwork decoration, crackle glaze

Period
Second half of the 20th century

Accessories

For the kōgō:
Paulownia wood tomobako protective box and information sheet about the ceramicist.

For the nerikō:
Box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

The kōgō and nerikō will be presented together in elegant packaging, adorned with a textured paper band specially created by Atelier Ikiwa. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō will accompany the set, ready to gift. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō will accompany this set, making it a ready-to-gift, original, unique, and very elegant present.

Directions for use

Place two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid slightly ajar to release the fragrance or closed to stop it from spreading, replace the pellets when they become dry, and keep the unused pellets in their airtight bag. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged contact with the skin. In case of discomfort or olfactory sensitivity, discontinue use. Store away from heat, moisture, and direct light.