Kyoto ceramic kōgō by Iwao Yamakawa III and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In 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.

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. This Kyōto ceramic kōgō, created by Iwao Yamakawa III, comes with its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The Artisan

Iwao Yamakawa III is a Japanese ceramicist from Kyōto, representing the third generation of a lineage of ceramicists whose origins date back to a Kutani workshop founded in Ishikawa Prefecture by his grandfather, Ishimatsu Yamakawa. His father, Iwao Yamakawa II, settled in Kyōto and established the Iwao-gama workshop there, specializing in ceramics for the tea ceremony.

Trained in ceramics in Kyōto and later under the master ceramicist Rokubei Kiyomizu, Iwao Yamakawa III took over the family workshop and continued producing Kyō-yaki inspired by great Japanese decorative traditions, particularly the style of Nonomura Ninsei. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions in Japan, notably at Mitsukoshi in Tōkyō in 1977, at Takashimaya in 1981 and 1987, and at Kennin-ji Temple in Kyōto in 1986. The workshop is now carried on by a fourth generation, represented by his son Atsushi Yamakawa.

Technique and Decoration

This Kyōto ceramic kōgō is crafted in the style of Nonomura Ninsei, using the polychrome enamel technique known as iro-e). After an initial firing, the piece is covered with an ivory glaze and then fired at a high temperature. The designs are then painted by hand with a brush onto the glazed surface before a second, lower-temperature firing fixes the colors. The gold highlights (kinsai) are applied during an additional firing.

On the finely crackled ivory background, plum branches form the traditional yari-ume design. The deep red and white flowers, delicately outlined in gold and punctuated by small touches of turquoise, combine the precision of the drawing with the richness of the enamels. Inside the lid, a few brown brushstrokes complete the decoration.

The kōgō bears the ceramicist's seal beneath its base and is available as a single example.

The Nerikō

To 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 and created by one of Kyōto'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.

The nerikō pellets should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to keep unused nerikō in their hermetically 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 have written 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 tradition, the variety of shapes and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a glimpse into 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.

Practical Information

Place of Manufacture
Kyōto, Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 6.7 cm - Height 2.6 cm

Weight (with box)
110 g

Materials
Kyōto ceramic, ivory glaze, polychrome enamels and gold highlights

Accessories

For the kōgō: Signed paulownia box (tomobako) bearing the ceramicist's seal.

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

The kōgō and nerikō will be packaged together in an elegant box with a specially designed, handmade embossed paper band featuring plum blossoms by Atelier Ikiwa. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō is included, making it a ready-to-gift, original and elegant present.

Directions for Use

Place 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.

Keep 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.