Shōno and nerikō Japanese incense ball (kōgō) in Arita porcelain

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 this one by the ceramic artist Shōno, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Shōno is a Japanese ceramic artist associated with the Battarō-gama kiln in Arita, Saga Prefecture. His hand-painted porcelains perpetuate Arita’s traditional decorative repertoire, notably Japanese landscapes, arabesques, and plant motifs executed in cobalt blue. His work demonstrates mastery of sometsuke, a historic technique that has played an essential role in Arita porcelain production since the 17th century.

Arita holds a fundamental place in the history of Japanese ceramics. It was in this region that porcelain production began in Japan at the start of the 17th century. For over four centuries, its workshops have perpetuated a craftsmanship renowned for the quality of its porcelain and the richness of its decorations.

Technique and decoration

This superb Arita porcelain kōgō is made using the sometsuke technique, in which cobalt blue is painted onto the porcelain before a clear glaze is applied and the piece is fired at a high temperature. This iconic Arita technique produces a wide range of shades, from deep blues to delicately faded tones.

Round and flattened, this kōgō features a hand-painted Japanese landscape in the style of traditional ink paintings. Distant mountains, rocky outcrops, and vegetation form a panorama whose depth is created by alternating precise lines, more diffuse brushstrokes, and large areas of white. The gradations of cobalt give the landscape a particularly elegant impression of mist and distance.

A second landscape, also painted in cobalt blue, is revealed on the inside of the lid, a refined detail that demonstrates the care taken to decorate this porcelain even in its least visible parts.

This kōgō is available as a single piece.

Nerikō

If you wish 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 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 have written 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 shapes and decorations, and the skill of renowned ceramic artists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a glimpse into the world of great Japanese ceramic artists through more intimate creations. Atelier Ikiwa offers a selection of kōgō carefully chosen for their artistic quality and uniqueness.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Arita, Saga Prefecture, Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 6.5 cm - Height 2.5 cm

Weight (with box)
170 g

Materials
Glazed porcelain, underglaze cobalt blue decoration

Accessories

For the kōgō: Paulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramic artist’s seal, with an information sheet signed by the artisan. The kōgō is also signed on its base.

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

The kōgō and nerikō will be packed together in an elegant box with an embossed 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.