{"product_id":"kogo-en-porcelaine-de-kutani-de-sano-ryuko-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","title":"Kutani porcelain incense ball container from the Ryūkō-gama workshop and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artisan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRyūkō-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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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 (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003emori-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), a technique that gives volume to decorative motifs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique and decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Kutani porcelain kōgō combines polychrome enamel painting (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eiro-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) with raised enamel work (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003emori-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), particularly visible in the floral motifs. This technique involves applying thick enamels to create volumes that stand out from the surface of the porcelain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palette, dominated by greens, blues, and pinks, combines glossy enamels and textured effects that give this small porcelain piece great visual richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior, left in white porcelain, offers an elegant contrast to the exterior decoration. The kōgō is signed at its base and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis available as a single piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe nerikō\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the art of Japanese kōgō and nerikō, we invite you to read the article we have written on the subject, available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/blogs\/histoires\/kogo-et-neriko-la-rencontre-entre-la-matiere-et-l-encens-japonais\" title=\"Kōgō article\"\u003evia this link\u003c\/a\u003e. Other kōgō are available on the website; feel free to browse our selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeyond 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePractical information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace of manufacture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKomatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter 7.2 cm - Height 4 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight (with box)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e218 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKutani porcelain, polychrome enamels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccessories\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the kōgō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Signed paulownia box (tomobako) bearing a seal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the nerikō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirections for use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atelier Ikiwa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58193855873364,"sku":"CJ-CH-10-16","price":230.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/kogo-neriko-boite-encens-japonais-ceramique-artisanat-art-atelier-ikiwa-T8.jpg?v=1794056517","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/kogo-en-porcelaine-de-kutani-de-sano-ryuko-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}