Zenju Miyashita ceramic kōgō 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, including this piece by ceramist Miyashita Zenju, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan
Zenju Miyashita (1901–1988) was a major Japanese ceramist in the celadon tradition. Trained in ceramics from a young age, he devoted himself to seiji and developed a style rooted in Kyoto’s Kyō-yaki tradition while engaging with the heritage of ancient celadons. From the 1930s onward, his pieces were regularly selected for the Shin Bunten and later the Nitten, Japan’s major national art exhibition, where he notably received the Prime Minister’s Award. He was also honored as a cultural figure of Kyoto and invited to serve on the juries of numerous exhibitions. A specialist in white and celadon glazes, he was sought after for the purity of his enamels and the balance of his forms. He was also the father and teacher of Miyashita Zenji, a ceramist whose works are now held in several major international museums, underscoring the significance of his legacy.

Technique and decoration
This kōgō evokes a small fruit, elongated by two finely modeled leaves that meet at the end of the lid. It is made of seiji celadon, whose grey-green glaze reveals a network of deliberately sought-after regular crackles that catch the light and add depth to the surface. The title given to the piece, Enju, means to prolong life and refers to decorative vocabulary in which fruit is associated with longevity, reinforcing the precious character of the object in the context of incense. Inside, the body is entirely covered with irregularly applied gold leaf, creating a vibrant contrast between the cool softness of the celadon and the warmth of the gold. The kōgō is signed at its base with an engraving bearing Miyashita Zenju’s seal.

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 fragrant blend based on sandalwood and 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. The nerikō pellets should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to keep 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; please 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 diversity of forms and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a way to enter the world of great Japanese ceramists through more intimate creations. Atelier Ikiwa offers a selection of kōgō carefully chosen for their artistic quality and uniqueness.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan

Dimensions
Length 6cm - Width 4.5cm - Height 4.3cm

Weight (with box)
178gr

Materials
Celadon ceramic

Period: Shōwa era (1926–1989)

Accessories
For the kōgō: a protective paulownia wood tomobako box bearing the inscription of the work, the artisan’s signature and seal, as well as a tomonuno protective cloth bearing the artisan’s seal, accompanied by an information sheet about the ceramist.

For the nerikō: a box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

The 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 made by hand. An information sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō accompanies the set, 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.