Kōgō in sometsuke porcelain of Kamide Chōemon and Japanese nerikō (incense balls)

In the art of Japanese incense, the kōgō is a small, precious box that preserves and showcases the nerikō, these refined incense pastilles made from precious woods and spices.

Together, they embody a sensory tradition that is rooted in the elegance of gestures and the subtlety of fragrances that Atelier Ikiwa was keen to celebrate by offering a rigorous selection of superb kōgō signed by renowned ceramists accompanied by their box of nerikō to help you discover this little-known art.

This white and blue porcelain kōgō (sometsuke) was made by Keigo Kamide, born in 1981, a sixth-generation representative of the Kamide Chōemon kiln, founded in 1879 in Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture. Heir to one of the oldest Kutani-yaki porcelain workshops, Keigo Kamide pursues an elegant and rigorous body of work, at the crossroads of Kutani decorative traditions and a renewed formal language.

This kōgō, with a diameter of 6cm and signed on its base, features on its lid a mon (Japanese emblem) representing a stylized wisteria ( fuji ), a symbol of grace and elegance. The motif is precisely painted in underglaze cobalt blue ( sometsuke ), using a delicate technique specific to fine porcelain. This kōgō is also distinguished by the presence of a matching ceramic stick holder, allowing dual use: either to hold nerikō beads or to hold a short incense stick. The piece is accompanied by its protective paulownia wood box ( tomobako ) bearing the work's inscription, as well as the signature and official seal of the artisan.

To enjoy the kōgō as it was intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains 36 nerikō beads, each composed of a delicately fragrant blend (based on sandalwood) created by one of Kyoto's oldest incense houses. To use them, place 2-3 in the kōgō and leave the lid ajar. If you want to stop the fragrance diffusion, simply close the lid. Nerikō beads should be replaced when they become dry. Be sure to store unused nerikō beads in the tightly 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 wrote on the subject, available via this link . Other kōgō are available on the site, do not hesitate to browse our selection.