{"product_id":"kogo-en-ceramique-de-kyoto-de-iwao-yamakawa-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","title":"Kyoto ceramic kōgō by Iwao Yamakawa III 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. This Kyōto ceramic kōgō, created by Iwao Yamakawa III, comes with 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\u003eIwao 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrained 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique and Decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Kyōto ceramic kōgō is crafted in the style of Nonomura Ninsei, using the polychrome enamel technique known as \u003c\/span\u003eiro-e\u003cspan\u003e). 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 (\u003c\/span\u003ekinsai\u003cspan\u003e) are applied during an additional firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the finely crackled ivory background, plum branches form the traditional \u003c\/span\u003eyari-ume\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe kōgō bears the ceramicist's seal beneath its base and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eis available as a single example.\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 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.\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 to prevent them from drying 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; 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 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.\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\u003eKyōto, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter 6.7 cm - Height 2.6 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\u003e110 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKyōto ceramic, ivory glaze, polychrome enamels and gold highlights\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\u003cspan\u003e Signed paulownia box (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003etomobako\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) bearing the ceramicist's seal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the nerikō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Box 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 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.\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":58196515225940,"sku":"CJ-CH-10-11","price":214.0,"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-V4.jpg?v=1794071367","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/kogo-en-ceramique-de-kyoto-de-iwao-yamakawa-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}