Kutani porcelain kōgō by Tamekichi Mitsui III 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 rooted in elegant gestures and subtle fragrances, which Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a carefully selected range of superb kōgō, here signed by ceramist Tamekichi Mitsui III, accompanied by their box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The artisan

Tamekichi Mitsui III, born Eiichi Mitsui in 1935, is a renowned Japanese ceramist of the Kutani tradition (Ishikawa Prefecture). A graduate in ceramics from Kanazawa College of Art in 1959, he trained under Tōjirō Kitade, a key figure in modern Kutani ceramics, and then under Isokichi Asakura, a major master of iroe (enamels). He adopted the name Tamekichi Mitsui III in 1961 and continued a body of work deeply rooted in classic Kutani decorations, notably compositions inspired by ko-Kutani (old) and Yoshidaya (kiln) styles, with a particular mastery of bold colors and painted decorations. His pieces have been regularly exhibited in Japan and abroad, particularly in the United States, where he was a visiting professor at Gallaudet University and exhibited at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.

The technique and decoration

This Kutani porcelain kōgō presents a strong contrast between the exterior, covered with a deep black glaze, and the interior, entirely painted with a hanazume (dense flower) decoration. This technique, very characteristic of certain Kutani productions, consists of covering the surface with a dense network of meticulously painted flowers, here in reddish-brown, punctuated by small green centers that bring a vibrant quality to the decoration.

The exterior is distinguished by its great sobriety. On the glossy black glaze appear large golden and amber brown motifs, treated as almost abstract floral forms, whose rounded contours seem to float on the dark surface. This decorative restraint highlights the roundness of the kōgō and creates an effect of depth, very different from the exuberant richness of the interior.

The interior, on the other hand, reveals all the virtuosity of Kutani painted decoration. The repeated flowers are hand-drawn with great regularity, then enriched with colored touches that give the composition its rhythm and luminosity. This dialogue between a dark, almost restrained exterior and a highly ornate interior gives the piece a particularly refined presence, where the surprise of the decoration is revealed upon opening.

The nerikō

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō pellets, each composed of a delicately fragrant blend whose base is sandalwood, created by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place two or three in the kōgō, and leave the lid ajar. If you wish to stop the diffusion of the fragrance, 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 kōgō and Japanese 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.

Presentation

For the kōgō: a tomobako protective box made of paulownia wood bearing the inscription of the work, the ceramist's signature and seal, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal, and accompanied by an information document about the ceramist. The kōgō is signed on its base by the ceramist.
For the nerikō: a box containing thirty-six nerikō pellets.

The kōgō and nerikō will be packaged together in a white cardboard box wrapped in a beautiful textile expertly tied, making it an original, unique, and very elegant gift ready to offer.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani

Dimensions
Diameter 6.5cm - Height 3cm

Weight (with box)
170gr

Materials
Kutani porcelain

Period
Shōwa Era (1926 - 1989)

Condition
In very good condition

Instructions for use
Place two or three nerikō pellets in the kōgō, leave the lid ajar to diffuse the scent or closed to stop diffusion, replace the pellets when they become dry and store unused pellets in their airtight bag. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. In case of discomfort or olfactory sensitivity, discontinue use. Store away from heat, humidity, and direct light.