Tezuka Gyokudō ceramic kōgō and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a small precious box that preserves and highlights the nerikō, these refined incense pastilles made from precious woods and spices.

Together, they embody a sensory tradition that is part of the elegance of gestures and the subtlety of perfumes that Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a rigorous selection of superb kōgō signed by renowned ceramists accompanied by their box of nerikō to help you discover this little-known art.

This kōgō was made by Tezuka Gyokudō (born 1942), a Japanese ceramicist based in Kyoto and known for his mastery of applying glazes on glazes. It represents a pomegranate (zakuro), a fruit very present in Kyoto ceramics, and a fox (inari). The whole symbolizes the protection associated with Inari, while the pomegranate evokes fertility and abundance, forming an image of prosperity and transformation.

This kōgō in delicate green tones is accompanied by its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) bearing the inscription of the work, as well as the signature and official seal of the artisan, and its protective turmeric cloth (tomonuno) with the artisan's seal.

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains 36 nerikō beads, each composed of a delicately scented blend (based on sandalwood) designed by one of the oldest incense houses in Kyoto. To use them, place 2-3 in the kōgō, and leave the lid ajar. If you want to stop the diffusion of the scent, simply close the lid. The nerikō beads should be replaced when they become dry. Be careful to keep the 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 site, feel free to browse our selection.