Japanese Zeze-yaki ceramic kōgō from the Yōen-en workshop 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 is proud to celebrate with a carefully curated selection of superb kōgō to collect, including a creation by the renowned Yōen-en workshop, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The workshop

The Yōen-en workshop, also known as Kagerō-en, continues the tradition of Zeze-yaki, a Japanese ceramic style that originated in the 17th century in the Lake Biwa region. Zeze-yaki is one of the seven major Japanese ceramic traditions associated with the renowned tea master Enshū Kobori and is particularly prized for its refined forms and understated elegance. This tradition was revived in 1919 by the workshop’s founder, Kenzō Iwasaki, and further developed by his son Shinjō Iwasaki (1913–2009), a renowned ceramicist who received the Shiga Prefecture Cultural Award in 1985.

Technique and decoration

This superb Zeze-yaki ceramic kōgō has a round shape with soft curves. Its plum blossom (ume) decoration, painted in deep blue on a warm beige background, exemplifies the understated elegance of kirei-sabi, an aesthetic closely associated with the tea master Enshū Kobori.

The flowers and branches are drawn freehand using the traditional underglaze painting technique, in which pigments are applied to the ceramic before it is covered with glaze and fired. The slightly blurred outlines and freehand strokes give the decoration its delicate character.

The glossy glaze reveals a fine network of crazing, particularly visible on the lid, while the floral motifs extend around the sides. The kōgō is signed at its base.

This kōgō is available as a single piece.

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 the 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 variety 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
Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 7 cm - Height 3.5 cm

Weight (with box)
170 g

Materials
Glazed ceramic, underglaze painted decoration

Accessories

For the kōgō:
Paulownia wood protective box (tomobako), signed and bearing the seal of the Yōen-en workshop. The kōgō is also signed at its base.

For the nerikō:
Box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

The kōgō and nerikō will be presented together in elegant packaging, adorned with a textured paper band specially created by Atelier Ikiwa. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō will accompany the set, ready to give as a 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.