{"product_id":"kogo-en-porcelaine-de-shoami-takano-ii-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais-1","title":"Porcelain kōgō by Shōami Takano II 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, including this one by ceramicist Shōami Takano II, accompanied by 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\u003eShōami Takano II, born Shinjirō Takano, is a Japanese ceramicist born in Kyoto in 1941. Heir to a studio founded in 1930 by his father, Shōami Takano I, he studied Japanese painting at the Kyoto City University of Fine Arts, where he completed his training in 1967. He then worked in the family studio, which he officially took over in 1993.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecializing in Kyoto porcelain (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKyō-yaki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), he continues the traditions of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003esometsuke\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshonzui\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, polychrome enamels (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eiro-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), and colored glazes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekōchi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. His artistic training has given him a particularly refined mastery of porcelain painting, especially in floral compositions and designs combining several techniques. His creations include objects for the tea ceremony, the practice of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003esencha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the art of incense. The studio is now being passed on to a third generation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique and design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Japanese porcelain kōgō takes the form of a traditional Japanese hat (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekasa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), with a widely flared conical lid topped by a small knob. This original silhouette provides a surface particularly suited to the richness of the geometric patterns covering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design is created using the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003esometsuke\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e technique, where cobalt blue paint is applied to the porcelain before a clear glaze is added and the piece is fired. More specifically, it belongs to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshonzui\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e style, inspired by porcelains produced in Jingdezhen, China, in the 17th century for Japanese tea ceremony enthusiasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacterized by the density and precision of its compositions, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshonzui\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e combines various geometric patterns arranged in bands and compartments. On this kōgō, lattices, grids, scale patterns, and repeating designs alternate with bands of Japanese characters. The deep blue contrasts with the white areas of the porcelain, while the glossy glaze accentuates the sharpness and depth of the designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design continues onto the lower part of the kōgō, ensuring continuity between the lid and the base. A signature painted in blue appears beneath the base.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis kōgō is 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 to prevent them from drying 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=\"Kogo 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 diversity of forms and designs, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating collection to build over time. Collecting kōgō also offers a glimpse into 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\u003eKyoto, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter 6.2 cm - Height 4.2 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\u003e158 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese porcelain, sometsuke design in cobalt blue under a clear glaze\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramicist’s seal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the nerikō:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBox containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe kōgō and nerikō will be packaged 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 this an original and elegant gift ready to give.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsage instructions\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":58193656578388,"sku":"CJ-CH-09-13","price":190.0,"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-C10.jpg?v=1794054973","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/kogo-en-porcelaine-de-shoami-takano-ii-et-neriko-billes-d-encens-japonais-1","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}