Momookadō Japanese 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 to collect. This Kyoto ceramic kōgō, crafted by Momookadō, comes with its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Momookadō is a Japanese ceramics studio associated with the tradition of Kyō-yaki, Kyoto ceramics. Its creations include kōgō for the tea ceremony, crafted in the style of Nonomura Ninsei, one of the great masters of 17th-century Japanese ceramics.

Active in Kyoto, Nonomura Ninsei profoundly influenced the history of Japanese ceramics by developing polychrome designs that combined colored enamels with gold highlights. Momookadō’s kōgō draws on this artistic heritage through its traditional form and a composition rich in symbolic motifs, characteristic of refined objects for the tea arts.

Technique and design

This large kōgō takes the traditional buriburi form, inspired by an old Japanese wooden toy. Its elongated six-sided silhouette resembles a small mallet, an unusual shape for an incense box.

On a delicately crackled cream background, polychrome enamels (iro-e), applied after an initial firing and then fixed in a second firing, create a design in vibrant colors. Cranes, turtles, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms—symbols of longevity and prosperity—blend with geometric patterns and gold highlights in a composition inspired by the style of Nonomura Ninsei.

The interior contrasts with the clarity of the exterior enamels with its deep red color, animated by shimmering gold powder. The kōgō is signed at 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, 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 so that they do not dry 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 designs, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it an exciting 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
Kyoto, Japan

Dimensions
Length 13.5 cm - Width 4.5 cm - Height 3.5 cm

Weight (with box)
246 g

Materials
Japanese ceramics

Accessories

For the kōgō: Paulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the artisan’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 textured paper band featuring plum blossoms, specially designed by Atelier Ikiwa and made by hand. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō is included, making it a ready-to-give, original and elegant gift.

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.