Kōgō and nerikō: the meeting between ceramics and Japanese incense

In Japan, incense is an impalpable presence, a breath that crosses time and space, awakening the senses with infinite sweetness, manifesting itself in the silence of temples and the half-light of machiya. More than a simple perfume, it accompanies meditation, tea, and the passing of the seasons, revealing multiple personalities that slowly blossom before melting into the air. This art of the fleeting is matched by delicate objects, shaped by the hands of artisans who from generation to generation continue to keep alive traditions often unknown in our latitudes.

To accommodate these precious fragrances, the kōgō (香合), small, delightful ceramic boxes, become cases to preserve and reveal the nerikō (練香), these incense pastilles shaped in the secret of ancestral recipes, both little-known treasures of the art of Japanese incense. Kōgō and nerikō: a fascinating balance between material and fragrance, for a ritual of rare elegance.

Incense in Japan: a thousand-year-old tradition and its role in the tea ceremony

The use of incense in Japan dates back more than a millennium, introduced by China and developed over time through various spiritual and aesthetic practices. In Buddhist temples, it accompanies meditation, while in elegant homes, it is at the heart of kōdō (香道, “the way of incense”), an olfactory and playful journey where incense reveals its soul in tranquility.

It is especially in the tea ceremony ( chanoyu , 茶の湯) that kōgō and nerikō play a special role. The scent of the nerikō selected for the occasion is introduced discreetly to accompany the atmosphere of the moment, in perfect harmony with the unfolding of the tea ritual. The choice of kōgō and the incense it contains reflects not only the season but also the intention of the tea master, who seeks to offer a complete sensory experience.

Because we don't just smell a scent, we listen to it. Monkō (聞香) , literally "listening to incense", is a term used in kōdō to designate the act of perceiving an aroma with attention and sensitivity. Unlike perfumes that impose themselves, Japanese incense reveals itself in small touches, which ask to be apprehended in a very meditative slowness, as one would listen to the teachings of the Buddha, with attention and intention.

In the tea ceremony, the kōgō precedes the olfactory ritual, the object itself plays a role even before the perception of the perfume. When it is opened after having contemplated it, a discreet breath escapes, offering to the eye and the nose a fragment of the invisible. The nerikō contained inside does not burn: it exhales, leaving a perfumed memory floating in the air, a sensation that one "listens" as much as one breathes it.

Ceramic kōgō: boxes of scents and objects of art

The kōgō is not a simple container: it is a work of art in its own right. Made of porcelain or stoneware, it can be simple or decorated with evocative patterns, varying according to the season and the desired atmosphere.

Ceramic Kōgō Styles

• Porcelain kōgō (磁器香合, jiki-gōgō ): refined and often decorated with colored enamels, they are particularly appreciated in summer for their fresh and bright appearance.
• Stoneware Kōgō : Their rougher texture and deep glazes are more in keeping with the winter aesthetic.
• Kōgō inspired by nature : in the shape of flowers, fruits or animals, they evoke the cycle of the seasons and are chosen according to the time of year.
• Kōgō by renowned ceramicists : some pieces, made by renowned ceramicists, become real collector's items in the same way as other Japanese ceramic objects, prized for their fine execution and the beauty of their enamels.

The importance of choosing kōgō and nerikō according to the seasons and the atmosphere

In a formal tea ceremony, the quality of the kōgō is as important as that of the nerikō themselves. Their choice reflects the intention of the tea master and the spirit of the gathering. In winter, nerikō with warm and spicy notes are favored, while in summer, lighter compositions with floral or woody accents are preferred. Similarly, a bright porcelain kōgō will be chosen for its summer freshness, while a stoneware model with more sober hues will harmonize better with the austerity of winter.

Nerikō: the alchemy of scents

Nerikō are incense pastilles made using ancestral know-how. Unlike sticks, they do not burn but slowly release their aromas under the effect of heat or open air.

Making Nerikō: An Art of Patience and Harmony

Nerikō are made from a precise blend of scented woods (such as jinkō, agarwood, and byakudan, sandalwood), precious spices ( clove, cinnamon, camphor ), and binding ingredients such as honey or fermented plum . This mixture is carefully kneaded and rolled into small pellets before being left to mature for several months , sometimes several years, under controlled conditions. This maturation allows the different essences to blend and develop complex and evolving notes, thus offering a refined and subtle olfactory experience.

Use of Nerikō and Kōgō in the Art of Incense

Presentation in the kōgō

During tea ceremonies or other moments of contemplation, the tea master opens the kōgō and reveals the nerikō to his guests, who appreciate their appearance and scent before they are used. Simply leaving the kōgō open allows the scent of the nerikō to be discreetly diffused throughout the room.

Heating on a mica plate

The traditional method involves placing the nerikō on a thin mica plate ( unmo ), placed on a bed of hot ashes in the hearth or brazier. The gentle heat slowly releases the aromas of the pastilles, creating an enveloping and soothing atmosphere .

Simple open air diffusion

On some more informal occasions, the nerikō are simply left in the kōgō, with the lid open , allowing their scents to evaporate naturally without combustion. This method is suitable for times when a subtle scent is desired, without the intervention of heat.

Preservation of nerikō: the key role of ceramic kōgō

One of the major assets of ceramic kōgō is its ability to preserve the freshness and integrity of the nerikō . Unlike lacquered wood which can absorb certain aromas, ceramic effectively protects the incense pellets from humidity and external alterations. Thanks to its non-porous nature, it ensures that the fragrances remain intact until they are used, thus ensuring a faithful and harmonious olfactory diffusion.

The Art of Collecting Ceramic Kōgō

Ceramic kōgō are objects of refinement and contemplation , carefully chosen to match the season and the mood of the moment. Collecting them allows you to adapt each tea gathering to the spirit of the moment, by varying the shapes, textures and glazes. It is a subtle art , where attention to the smallest details testifies to the deep respect for the ephemeral beauty of the moment.

So whether filled with delicately aged nerikō or simply displayed as collectibles to admire , ceramic kōgō embody the very essence of Japanese refinement. Discover our exclusive selection of kōgō , each accompanied by a box of carefully selected nerikō , by following this link.