Japanese porcelain kōgō by Keiun Tezuka 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, including a creation by Keiun Tezuka, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Ceramics by Keiun Tezuka come from a Kyoto workshop under the artistic direction of master ceramicist Sekiun Tezuka (1942–2016). The son of the renowned Gyokudō Tezuka, he trained under his father before founding his own kiln in 1972. A specialist in ceramics for the tea ceremony, he continues the tradition of Kyō-yaki, particularly prized for its fine polychrome and gold decorations. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions in Japan.

Technique and decoration

This glazed porcelain kōgō illustrates the richness of the polychrome and gold decorations of the Kyoto ceramic tradition. Its elongated shape with delicately cut contours holds a floral composition in bright colors. A plum blossom drawn in gold sits alongside red, green, and turquoise motifs, while fine blue lines and small gold dots accentuate the sides of the box.

The interior reveals a superb coral-red glaze sprinkled with gold flakes, whose brilliance contrasts with the whiteness of the porcelain. This decorative work is part of the long Japanese tradition of using gold, which was particularly developed in Kyoto.

This kōgō 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 the 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 shapes 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
Kyoto, Japan

Dimensions
Width 7 cm - Depth 4 cm - Height 2.2 cm

Weight (with box)
110 g

Materials
Glazed porcelain, polychrome and gold decoration

Period
Heisei era (1989–2019)

Accessories

For the kōgō:
Paulownia wood protective box (tomobako) bearing the ceramicist’s signature and seal.

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

The kōgō and nerikō will be presented together in elegant packaging, adorned with a textured paper band specially made by Atelier Ikiwa. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō will accompany the set, ready to gift. A descriptive sheet about the kōgō and the use of nerikō accompanies the set, making it a ready-to-gift, original, and very elegant present.

Directions for use

Place two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid slightly ajar to release the fragrance or closed to stop it, 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.