Arita porcelain Kōgō by Hōzan and nerikō (incense balls) japan

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

Together, they embody a sensory tradition that is part of the elegance of gestures and the subtlety of perfumes 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 kōgō in white Arita porcelain, crafted by the Hōzan workshop, comes from one of the high places of Japanese ceramics. Arita, the cradle of Japanese porcelain since the 17th century, is renowned for the finesse and translucency of its creations. The Hōzan workshop, known for its delicate work and its search for harmony in forms, is inspired here by nature to design a kōgō in the shape of a ginkgo leaf, a symbol of longevity and resilience in Japanese culture.

Very sober, this white porcelain kōgō highlights the purity of the lines and the softness of the touch, offering an ideal setting for the nerikō.

It is accompanied by its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) bearing the work's inscription, as well as the studio's signature and official seal. A document (shiori) with its profile is also included.

To enjoy the kōgō as intended, a box of nerikō is also included. This box contains 36 nerikō beads, each composed of a delicately scented blend (based on sandalwood) designed by one of the oldest incense houses in Kyoto. To use them, place 2-3 in the kōgō, and leave the lid ajar. If you want to stop the diffusion of the scent, simply close the lid. The nerikō beads should be replaced when they become dry. Be careful to keep the unused nerikō in the 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 site, feel free to browse our selection.