Sometsuke porcelain kōgō, shōchikubai (pine, bamboo, plum) decoration, by Hitachi Tsuji XIV 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 rigorous selection of superb kōgō, here signed by ceramist Hitachi Tsuji XIV, accompanied by their box of nerikō to introduce this little-known art.

The ceramist

Hitachi Tsuji XIV (1909-2007), born Tsuneki Tsuji, was a major ceramist from Arita (Saga Prefecture). Heir to an ancient lineage of ceramists linked to Arita porcelains, he took the name Hitachi Tsuji XIV in 1947. His house is particularly renowned for its sometsuke porcelains (blue underglaze), whose drawing finesse and white purity are part of the great tradition of Arita productions intended for refined uses. After the war, his workshop also received commissions from the Imperial Household, confirming the important place of this lineage in 20th-century Japanese ceramics.

Technique and decoration

This small porcelain kōgō has a simple and balanced square shape, softened by slightly rounded corners. The decoration is made in sometsuke, a technique in which the motif is painted with cobalt directly onto the porcelain before the application of the transparent glaze and high-temperature firing. The deep blue then fixes itself under the vitreous surface, giving the design its intensity and great stability.

The decoration represents the shōchikubai (pine, bamboo, plum tree), an auspicious motif bringing together three plants capable of surviving winter. The pine symbolizes longevity, the bamboo uprightness and resilience, while the plum tree heralds renewal with its early blooming. Here, the motif is interpreted in a very graphic design, where round leaves, flexible stems, and small flowers spread across the lid and then extend to the sides of the box. The contrast between the bright white of the porcelain and the almost black blue of the cobalt gives this piece a strong presence despite its small size.

The nerikō

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains thirty-six nerikō balls, each made of a delicately fragrant blend with a sandalwood base, 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 want to stop the diffusion of the fragrance, simply close the lid. The nerikō balls should be replaced when they become dry. It is important to keep unused nerikō in their 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 wrote on the subject, available via this link. Other kōgō are available on the site, feel free to browse our selection.

Presentation

For the kōgō: tomobako protective box made of paulownia wood bearing the inscription of the artwork, the ceramist's signature and seal. The kōgō is signed inside the lid by the ceramist.

For the nerikō: box containing thirty-six nerikō balls.

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

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan, Arita, Saga Prefecture

Dimensions
Width 5 cm - Depth 5 cm - Height 4 cm

Weight (with box)
96gr

Materials
Porcelain

Period
Shōwa Era (1926 - 1989)

Condition
Very good condition

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