Japanese ceramic kōgō by Zenju Miyashita 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 Japanese ceramic kōgō, created by ceramicist Zenju Miyashita, comes with its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Zenju Miyashita (1901–1988) was a major Japanese ceramicist 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 ceramicist whose works are now held in several major international museums, underscoring the significance of his legacy.

Technique and decoration

This small Japanese ceramic kōgō takes the form of a white plum blossom (shiraume), with five rounded petals modeled in three dimensions. The lid forms a softly curved corolla, slightly recessed between the petals, while the stamens, arranged in a star around the center, are raised in relief and delicately accented with brown at their tips.

The piece is covered with a celadon glaze (seiji) in beige-gray tones, characteristic of Zenju Miyashita’s explorations of color and depth in enamels. Its soft, subtly nuanced tone reveals fine speckles in the material. The glaze, glossy and translucent in places, follows the curves of the petals and highlights their volume without the need for painted decoration.

This restraint is characteristic of Zenju Miyashita’s work, in which his creations emphasize the balance of forms and the quality of the glazes. Here, the ceramicist allows the flower to be defined by its volume alone, while variations in the glaze reveal its contours. The contrast between the softness of the celadon and the fine browned stamens adds a touch of precision to this minimalist composition.

The lid fits onto a lower section that echoes the same rounded curves, forming a small box whose silhouette remains that of a plum blossom even when closed. Inside, the glaze contrasts with the exposed clay on the fitting surfaces. The kōgō is marked at its base with the ceramicist’s seal 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 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 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 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 ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a way to enter 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
Diameter 4.2 cm - Height 3.5 cm

Weight (with box)
80 g

Materials
Japanese ceramic, celadon glaze

Condition
Very good overall condition.

Accessories

For the kōgō: Paulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramicist’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 handmade, embossed paper band featuring plum blossoms, specially designed by Atelier Ikiwa. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō is included, making this an original, elegant, and gift-ready set.

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.