Kutani porcelain incense ball container from the Ryūkō-gama 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 was keen to celebrate by offering a carefully curated selection of superb kōgō to collect. This Kutani porcelain kōgō, made by the Ryūkō-gama workshop, comes with its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Ryūkō-gama is a family-run Kutani ceramics workshop based in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture. Founded at the end of the Taishō era, it has perpetuated for three generations a tradition of making decorative porcelain, combining the shaping of forms with the rich enamels characteristic of Kutani.

The workshop is now run by Shinchirō Sano, a third-generation representative. His brother Mitsuo Sano, also a sculptor, helps create the models. Their expertise includes shaping porcelain from molds and working with raised enamels (mori-e), a technique that gives volume to decorative motifs.

Technique and decoration

This Kutani porcelain kōgō combines polychrome enamel painting (iro-e) with raised enamel work (mori-e), particularly visible in the floral motifs. This technique involves applying thick enamels to create volumes that stand out from the surface of the porcelain.

The composition features large peonies, irises, and foliage in deep shades of green. The peonies are rendered with generous relief, their overlapping petals highlighted by delicately drawn outlines. The irises add touches of intense blue that contrast with the softer hues of the peonies.

The richness of this decoration also lies in the extremely meticulous work on the backgrounds. The flowers stand out against a surface dotted with small dark spots, while a geometric grid covers other parts of the box. This alternation between raised floral motifs and highly regular geometric compositions highlights the mastery of the various decorative techniques.

The palette, dominated by greens, blues, and pinks, combines glossy enamels and textured effects that give this small porcelain piece great visual richness.

The interior, left in white porcelain, offers an elegant contrast to the exterior decoration. 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, 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 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 variety of forms and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it an exciting 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
Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 7.2 cm - Height 4 cm

Weight (with box)
218 g

Materials
Kutani porcelain, polychrome enamels

Condition
Overall very good condition. A small, discreet, color-matched repair is visible inside the kōgō. Invisible when the box is closed, it does not affect its aesthetic qualities.

Accessories

For the kōgō: Signed paulownia box (tomobako) bearing a seal.

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

The kōgō and nerikō will be packed together in an elegant box with a 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-gift, original and elegant present.

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.