{"product_id":"kogo-en-ceramique-de-karatsu-de-yoshiaki-kojima-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","title":"Karatsu ceramic kōgō by Yoshiaki Kojima and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a small, precious box that preserves and enhances nerikō, refined incense pellets made from precious woods and spices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, 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 one by ceramicist Yoshiaki Kojima, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artisan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYoshiaki Kojima is a Japanese ceramicist who founded the Sōgen-gama kiln in 1980 within the grounds of Ennichiji Temple in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. He has dedicated his work to rediscovering the techniques of ancient Karatsu, a ceramic tradition particularly esteemed in the world of the tea ceremony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePassionate about ancient ceramics, he visits historic production sites in search of pottery fragments, clays, and raw materials that will allow him to recreate the methods used by potters in centuries past. His research focuses in particular on clay composition, glazes, and firing effects, with the aim of restoring the natural character and aesthetic qualities of ancient Karatsu ceramics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis approach is part of the 20th-century movement to rediscover ancient Karatsu. His son, Naoki Kojima, born in 1962, continues this tradition at the Sōgen-gama kiln.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique and decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis small Karatsu ceramic kōgō takes the form of a persimmon, its rounded volumes and contours modeled in the clay before firing. Its creation combines the sculptural shaping of the form with a traditional glazing technique particularly prized in Karatsu ceramics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorean Karatsu (Chōsen Karatsu) is based on the combination of two glazes: a light, ash-based glaze and a dark, iron-rich glaze. During high-temperature firing, the glazes melt, meet, and produce drips in varying shades, their distribution depending on their thickness, the shape of the piece, and the firing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn this kōgō, the glossy black glaze runs down from the top of the fruit over a cream background, creating deep contrasts with the reddish-brown clay left exposed on the lower part. These effects of material and firing give this piece its full richness, faithful to the spirit of ancient Karatsu ceramics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ceramicist has signed the kōgō at its base, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eit is available as a single piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe nerikō\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō pellets, each made from 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. To stop the fragrance from spreading, simply close the lid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe nerikō pellets should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to keep unused nerikō in their hermetically sealed plastic bag so that they do not dry out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the art of Japanese kōgō and nerikō, we invite you to read the article we have written on the subject, available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/blogs\/histoires\/kogo-et-neriko-la-rencontre-entre-la-matiere-et-l-encens-japonais\" title=\"Kōgō article\"\u003evia this link\u003c\/a\u003e. Other kōgō are available on the website; please feel free to browse our selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeyond their traditional use with nerikō, kōgō are also valuable decorative and collectible objects. The richness of this Japanese tradition, the diversity of forms and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a way to enter the world of great Japanese ceramicists through more intimate creations. Atelier Ikiwa offers a selection of kōgō carefully chosen for their artistic quality and uniqueness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePractical information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace of manufacture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKaratsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter 4.8 cm - Height 4 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight (with box)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e178 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKaratsu ceramic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccessories\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the kōgō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramicist’s seal, accompanied by an information sheet (shiori).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the nerikō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBox containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe kōgō and nerikō will be packaged together in an elegant box with an embossed paper band featuring plum blossoms, specially designed by Atelier Ikiwa and finished by hand. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō accompanies the set, making it an original and elegant gift ready to give.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirections for use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid slightly ajar to release the fragrance, or close it to stop the fragrance from spreading. Replace the pellets when they become dry and keep unused pellets in their airtight bag.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep out of reach of children and animals. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged contact with the skin. If discomfort or olfactory sensitivity occurs, discontinue use. Store away from heat, moisture, and direct light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atelier Ikiwa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58192886890836,"sku":"CJ-CH-09-07","price":205.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/kogo-neriko-boite-encens-japonais-ceramique-artisanat-art-atelier-ikiwa-N3.jpg?v=1794046578","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/kogo-en-ceramique-de-karatsu-de-yoshiaki-kojima-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}