Kutani porcelain kōgō by Seika Suda IV 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 ceramicist Seika Suda IV, accompanied by its box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Born in 1940 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Seika Suda IV is the heir to a prestigious lineage of ceramicists specializing in Kutani porcelain. Graduating from the Kanazawa University of Art and Technology in 1962, he trained under his father and grandfather before becoming, in 1981, the fourth head of the Seikagama house, founded in 1906 in Yamashiro Onsen. His great-grandfather, Seika Suda I, was notably the master of Kitaōji Rosanjin, a major figure in 20th-century Japanese art.

Faithful to traditional methods, Seika Suda IV continues the manual work of shaping clay, ceramic painting, and wood-fired kiln firing. His creations carry on a tradition particularly renowned for its fine painted porcelain and rich decorations.

Technique and decoration

This Kutani porcelain kōgō is made using the sometsuke technique, a Japanese tradition of underglaze cobalt blue painting. The motifs are painted on the porcelain before a transparent glaze is applied and the piece is fired at a high temperature, which fixes the blue within the material and gives it its characteristic depth.

The peach shape, a symbol of longevity and good fortune in East Asian art, is rendered here in three dimensions. The domed lid features a decoration of relief-molded leaves enhanced with blue, while small painted butterflies complete the composition. The shades of cobalt, from deep blue to softer tones, and the luminous whiteness of the porcelain highlight the delicacy of the work.

This kōgō is available as a single example.

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 wrote 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 shapes and decorations, and the expertise of renowned ceramicists and artisans make it a fascinating 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
Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Period
Heisei or Reiwa era

Dimensions
Width 5.7 cm - Depth 6.5 cm - Height 4.5 cm

Weight (with box)
146 g

Materials
Glazed porcelain, underglaze cobalt blue decoration

Accessories

For the kōgō: Paulownia box (tomobako) signed and bearing the ceramicist’s seal, with an information document. The kōgō is also signed at its base.

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

The 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 accompanies the set, making it a ready-to-give, original and elegant gift.

Usage instructions

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.