Ueno-yaki green-glazed ceramic kōgō by Gen Takatsuru and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a precious small box that preserves and enhances nerikō, refined incense pellets made from precious woods and spices. Together, they embody a sensory tradition rooted in elegant gestures and subtle fragrances, which Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a rigorous selection of superb kōgō, here signed by ceramist Gen Takatsuru, accompanied by their box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The ceramist

Gen Takatsuru, born in 1938 in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a Japanese ceramist associated with the Ueno-yaki tradition, an important ceramic school in northern Kyūshū that emerged in the early 17th century. After training in Arita, he founded his own kiln in the 1960s and developed remarkable work around tea ceramics and contemporary sculptural forms.

He became a full member of the Nihon Kōgeikai (Japanese Association of Traditional Arts), an important distinction in the world of contemporary Japanese craftsmanship. His work is characterized by extensive research into organic volumes, material contrasts, and glaze effects. He is also recognized as a specialist in ancient Ko-Ueno ceramics, the first historical productions of Ueno-yaki dating from the 17th century. In 1997, he received the Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award.

The technique and decoration

This large kōgō features an organic silhouette evoking a fruit, with soft and slightly irregular contours that give the piece a very natural presence. The small button on the lid discreetly resembles a stem, reinforcing this vegetal impression.

The piece belongs to the Ueno-yaki tradition, a ceramic school born in the early 17th century in northern Kyūshū and particularly appreciated in the tea ceremony world for its deep glazes, material contrasts, and firing effects. Like many Japanese ceramics of this period, Ueno-yaki developed under the influence of Korean potters who settled in Japan in the late 16th century.

The kōgō is made from a dark iron-rich clay covered with a thick green glaze obtained through metallic oxides, particularly copper. The variations in glaze thickness here produce numerous shades of green, ranging from very deep areas to lighter, almost translucent passages. The partially visible edges reveal the dark clay beneath the glaze and create a characteristic contrast of Ueno-yaki ceramics. The surface irregularities, texture effects, and firing variations fully contribute to the lively aesthetic of this piece.

The nerikō

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō pellets, each composed of a delicately fragrant blend with a sandalwood base, created by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place two or three in the kōgō, and leave the lid ajar. If you wish to stop the scent diffusion, 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 kōgō and Japanese 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.

Presentation

For the kōgō: a paulownia wood tomobako protection box bearing the inscription of the work, the ceramist's signature and seal, accompanied by two protective cloths (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal. The kōgō is signed at its base by the ceramist.

For the nerikō: a box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

The kōgō and nerikō will be packaged together in a white cardboard box wrapped in a beautifully tied textile, making it an original, unique, and very elegant ready-to-give gift.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan, Fukuoka Prefecture

Dimensions
Diameter 7.5 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight (with box)
320g

Materials
Ceramic

Period
Heisei Era (1989 - 2019)

Condition
Very good condition

Instructions for use
Place two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid ajar to diffuse the scent or closed to stop diffusion, replace pellets when dry and keep unused pellets in their airtight bag. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged skin contact. In case of discomfort or olfactory sensitivity, discontinue use. Store away from heat, humidity and direct light.