Shigeru Yamaguchi Oribe 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, including a creation by ceramicist Shigeru Yamaguchi, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Born in 1925 in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Shigeru Yamaguchi came from a renowned family of ceramicists whose history is closely linked to Japanese ceramics made for the tea ceremony. The second son of Jōtetsu Yamaguchi I, he trained under his father and carried on a family expertise particularly renowned for creating Oribe, Shino, Ki-Seto, and Seto-guro ceramics. His work bears witness to the vitality of these great historical traditions in the 20th century.

Technique and decoration

This fan-shaped kōgō is made in the Oribe tradition, which emerged at the end of the 16th century and is particularly appreciated for its original shapes and contrasting glazes. Its decoration is in the ao-Oribe style, a technique that combines a copper-based green glaze with iron oxide designs painted on a light background.

The plant motifs are painted with iron-based pigments and then covered with a light glaze, while a copper-containing enamel is applied to another part of the surface. Firing develops the deep green characteristic of Oribe and reveals the brown nuances of the painted decoration. The fine network of cracks in the light glaze adds further texture to this composition, whose contrasts of color and material are characteristic of Oribe aesthetics.

The kōgō is signed at its base and 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 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 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 shapes and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also means entering 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
Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Dimensions
Width 7 cm - Depth 5.5 cm - Height 2.5 cm

Weight (with box)
146 g

Materials
Glazed ceramic, iron oxide painted decoration, green Oribe glaze

Accessories

For the kōgō:
Signed paulownia wood protective box (tomobako) bearing the ceramicist’s seal.

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 closed to stop it 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.