Kutani porcelain kōgō by Ihei Hayashi II 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 this piece by ceramic artist Ihei Hayashi II, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Ihei Hayashi II belongs to a lineage of Japanese ceramicists specializing in Kutani porcelain. Originating in the present-day Ishikawa Prefecture, this tradition emerged in the 17th century and is renowned for its rich polychrome enamels, gilding, and complex designs. The first Ihei Hayashi played a decisive role in the recognition of aochibu, a decorative technique developed during the Taishō era (1912–1926), which he helped elevate to the status of one of Kutani’s major styles. His successor, Ihei Hayashi II, continues this particularly demanding craft, combining precise stippled decoration with masterful golden arabesques. 

Technique and decoration

This round Kutani porcelain kōgō combines two particularly demanding decorative techniques: aochibu and mori-kin. The floral arabesques are drawn using a thick pictorial preparation, creating a relief that is then covered in gold. The spaces between the motifs are adorned with a multitude of tiny blue-green enamel dots, each applied individually using a tool called an icchin. The perfect regularity of their size, spacing, and relief requires exceptional technical mastery. Several successive firings are necessary to achieve this dense, finely textured decoration, which evokes shagreen. Red and gold bands accentuate the junction of the lid and base, while the interior is made of white-glazed porcelain.

The kōgō bears the artisan’s signature at its base. Only one example is available.

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 fragrant 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 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; 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 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.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan

Dimensions
Diameter 6.5 cm - Height 3 cm

Weight (with box)
204 g

Materials
Kutani porcelain, polychrome enamels and gold decoration

Period
Heisei era (1989–2019)

Accessories

For the kōgō:
A protective paulownia wood tomobako box bearing the artisan’s signature and seal, accompanied by a protective cloth also bearing his seal.

For the nerikō:
A box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

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

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.