Ceramic kōgō by Tadashi Iwasaka 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, including this piece by ceramicist Tadashi Iwasaka, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Born in Kyoto in 1943, Tadashi Iwasaka (1943–2003) was a Japanese ceramicist who, after training in several workshops, settled in Shimane Prefecture. In 1975, he established his own kiln, Gassan Tsuzumi-gama, at the foot of Mount Gassan, near the town of Yasugi.

He became particularly renowned for his research into glazes inspired by Chinese Jun ware, prized for its blue, green, and purple-red glazes. Admitted for the first time to the Exhibition of Traditional Japanese Arts in 1983, he became a full member of the Japanese Association of Traditional Arts (Nihon Kōgeikai) and exhibited his creations in various regions of Japan.

His work includes tea ceremony objects, vases, and everyday ceramics. The Gassan Tsuzumi-gama kiln closed following his death in 2003.

Technique and decoration

This glazed ceramic kōgō is inspired by the famous Jun glazes, developed in China from the Song dynasty and particularly prized for their rich colors.

Its round form with soft lines is covered in a light green glaze with delicate blue undertones, whose finely speckled surface reveals subtle variations in texture. A purple-red glaze spot enriches the lid’s decoration, while a second appears inside the box.

These characteristic Jun glaze effects are achieved by applying coloring materials to the glaze before firing. The purple-red color comes from copper-rich pigments, which develop their hue during high-temperature firing in a reducing atmosphere. The fusion of the glazes creates shades with delicately blurred edges.

The brightness of the light green glaze and the contrast with the purple-red accents highlight the simplicity of the form and the quality of the glazing.

This kōgō 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 made from a delicately scented 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 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 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 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
Gassan Tsuzumi-gama, Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 5.6 cm - Height 3.2 cm

Weight (with box)
162 g

Materials
Glazed ceramic

Accessories

For the kōgō: Paulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramicist’s seal, accompanied by an information sheet (shiori).

For the nerikō: 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 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.